The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially appointed Winfried Schäfer as the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars and the Director of Football for the association. The German tactician, known for his vast experience in international football, is expected to bring his expertise to support Ghana’s football development.
As Technical Advisor, Schäfer will work closely with Black Stars’ head coach Otto Addo, providing technical guidance and strategic advice to improve the team’s performance ahead of major competitions.
In his role as Director of Football, he will oversee Ghana’s overall football structure, working with the GFA Technical Directorate to implement long-term development strategies, improve coaching methodologies, and enhance talent development at all levels. His appointment is part of GFA’s broader plan to restore Ghana’s dominance in African and international football.
Schäfer boasts an extensive coaching career spanning over four decades. He is best known for leading Cameroon to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and guiding them to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His coaching journey includes stints with national teams such as Thailand and Jamaica, as well as club sides in Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia.
Before transitioning into coaching, Schäfer played professional football for clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach, Kickers Offenbach, and Karlsruher SC, amassing 438 appearances and 62 goals in the German league system.
The GFA believes Schäfer’s appointment will be instrumental in revitalizing Ghanaian football, ensuring a structured and sustainable development system that benefits both the Black Stars and youth football programs. His experience in working with different national teams is expected to bring technical discipline, strategic planning, and innovation to Ghana’s football structure.
Schäfer’s immediate task will be assisting Otto Addo in preparing the Black Stars for their upcoming international engagements, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON.
The Ghanaian football fraternity will be eager to see how Schäfer’s expertise influences the performance of the Black Stars and the broader football development agenda in the country.
