Black Stars Acting Head Coach Kim Lars Björkegren will make history as the first coach to be in charge of two senior national teams of Ghana, the Black Stars and their female counterparts, the Black Queens; even if for just two matches.

The Swedish tactician took over the reins of the Black Queens after Swiss trainer, Nora Huptle abandoned ship for a more rewarding job with Zambia.

His performance has been visible to all, qualifying the Black Queens to the Africa Women Cup of Nation (AWCON) where he led the team to a respectable third position.

In the midst of the trouble within the Black Stars that resulted in firing of coaches, Björkegren, in the estimation of a few, looked like the one with the magic wand to stabilize the ship.

His appointment may have come to many with shock but from where I stand, it was the best decision by the FA; and very timely.

Possibly, his demeanour, relative peace in the Black Queens and subsequent improvement may have triggered the decision to give him a try.

Secondly, the short period between the qualifiers would not give a search committee ample time to scout for a long term coach.

Unlike the travel-happy Black Stars coaches, Björkegren is mostly in Ghana and has the luxury of monitoring the local talents that formed the nucleus of the Queens.

Björkegren is coming in at a time when the hope and spirit of the Black Stars seem to have vanished into thin air after losing their opening two AFCON qualifiers to Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan and The Gambia in Accra.

That fuelled the calls for the sack of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach as many clamoured for the appointment of a local coach.

Björkegren may not be the coach many may have expected but the gamble was worth taking.

As he takes over the reins of the Black Stars, it is the hope that he would widen the selection net for local players who are often reared as second fiddle to foreign based players.

In Ghana’s last two games against Cote D’Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana played like novices, showing little or no difference between both set of players.

The teams under Otto Addo and Queiroz in reality had only one local player in the person of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Dreams FC defender, Philemon Baffour, just like some others, were occasionally invited but their best positions were on the bench.

With Björkegren in charge ably supported by coaches who are active in the local game, Ghanaians would want to see a change in that order.

On Monday when he handed call-ups to three new home-based players for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Somalia, it spread some excitement among some fans.

Björkegren’s squad created spaces for Musa Hamzata of Asante Kotoko SC, and Medeama SC duo of EmmanuelAnnor and Etse Dogli.

These are players that did perform creditably for their respective clubs.

That raises the local component to four. This is an indication that Björkegren has faith in the local players and one of the ways to demonstrate this is by giving them the chance to feature in the Somalia double-header.

I have no doubt these players will perform when given the chance but even if they underperform, that should be no big deal because Ghana watched with awe in Accra when the so called big boys played as if they were being given some raw lessons.

For Ghana to develop the game and raise the standard, that feat must be overcome and it’s important that the process starts with Somalia.

By Andrew Nortey

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Former Ghanaian international defender Jonathan Mensah has announced his retirement from professional football after a career spanning several countries and more than a decade with the Black Stars.

The 35-year-old made the announcement in an emotional retirement message, reflecting on his journey from Ghana to playing professionally in South Africa, Italy, Spain, France, Russia and the United States.

Mensah described representing Ghana as the greatest honour of his career, highlighting his contribution to the country’s U20 team that won the African Championship and FIFA U20 World Cup.

He recalled representing the senior national team at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two FIFA World Cups, earning 70 international caps in the process.

Throughout his club career, the defender featured for several teams, including Ashanti Gold, Free State Stars, Udinese, Granada, Evian Thonon Gaillard, FC Anzhi Makhachkala, Columbus Crew, San Jose Earthquakes and New England Revolution.

He expressed gratitude to his former teammates, coaches, managers and supporters, particularly the Columbus Crew family in Ohio, which he described as a home for himself and his family.

Mensah acknowledged the sacrifices of his wife, children, parents and siblings, saying their support had been instrumental throughout his football journey.

Although he is bringing his playing career to an end, the former Black Stars defender said he intends to remain involved in football through youth development, community service and mentoring the next generation.

He added that his passion for football would continue as he looks forward to serving others and making an impact beyond the game.

“The boots may be hung up, but the mission continues,” he wrote.

By: Jacob Aggrey