Ken Augustt backs Kwasi Appiah for Black Stars coaching role

Experienced coach, Ken Augustt, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to appoint a coach with proven World Cup experience to lead the Black Stars on a short-term basis ahead of the global tournament.

He said while the nationality of the coach should not be a determining factor, Sudan head coach, Kwasi Appiah, stands out as a suitable candidate for the role.

“He has been with the team before, been to the World Cup, and knows a good number of the Black Stars players. It’s the most sensible decision if he is available,” Coach Augustt told the Daily Graphic.

His comments follow the dismissal of Otto Addo last Monday, despite leading the Black Stars to qualification for the World Cup. The decision came after Ghana suffered two defeats within four days during the recent international break.

The team lost 5-1 to Austria before falling 2-1 to Germany, although the latter performance showed signs of improvement.

Coach Augustt warned that the timing of the search for a new coach could affect the cost of securing a high-calibre candidate, but insisted financial considerations should not stand in the way.

The former Accra Great Olympics and Power FC coach also questioned the rationale behind the decision to part ways with Addo at this stage.

He further criticised recent decisions by the GFA, including the appointment of an 18-member technical team for the Black Stars, describing it as evidence of poor planning in football management.

Coach Augustt also expressed concern over the appointment of Winfred Schaeffer as Technical Director of the GFA, stating that it was surprising given his performance during the Black Stars coaching interview process.