Respected African football expert Mamadou Gaye has advised the Ghana Football Association to avoid appointing a European coach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that experienced African tacticians are capable of leading the Black Stars.
Ghana are still without a permanent coach just 62 days before the tournament begins, following the dismissal of Otto Addo after a poor run of results. His final match in charge was a 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany on March 30, which reportedly sealed his exit.
A number of European coaches, including Hervé Renard, Félix Sánchez Bas, Carlos Queiroz, Paulo Bento, and Fernando Santos, have been linked with the vacant role. However, Gaye believes Ghana should look within Africa for a suitable replacement.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, he argued that appointing a European coach would not benefit African football in the long term.
“The biggest mistake Ghana could make, and something no one will ever forgive them for, is bringing a European coach to the World Cup, helping him improve his resume, and then sending him back to Africa. Once the World Cup is over, he’ll just vanish,” Gaye said.
He went on to suggest that Ghana should consider qualified African coaches, specifically naming countries with strong coaching talent.
“If they don’t have someone from Ghana who can do the job, let them go to Nigeria, let them go to South Africa, let them go to Ivory Coast. The qualified coaches are there,” he added.
The comments highlight growing debate over coaching appointments in African football, especially ahead of major tournaments where experience, continuity, and tactical identity are often questioned.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup alongside England, Panama, and Croatia. Their opening match is scheduled for June 17 against Panama.
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