Two new names have emerged as leading contenders for Ghana’s vacant Black Stars coaching position following a Ghana Football Association Executive Council meeting held on Friday, April 10, 2026.
Former West Ham United and Croatia coach Slaven Bilić, alongside experienced Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet, are the latest candidates under serious consideration as the Ghana Football Association intensifies its search for a new head coach.
Their emergence follows the dismissal of Otto Addo, whose second stint with the Black Stars ended after a string of disappointing results.
Ghana’s heavy defeats to Austria and Germany in pre–World Cup friendlies ultimately influenced the decision to part ways with him.
Bilić, 55, brings a wealth of international and club-level experience. As head coach of Croatia, he guided the team to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2008, earning praise for his disciplined yet attacking style of play.
At club level, he enjoyed a successful spell in the English Premier League with West Ham United, leading them to a seventh-place finish during the 2015–16 season. His managerial career has also taken him to leagues in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China, giving him a broad global perspective.
On the other hand, Saintfiet, 51, is widely respected for his deep understanding of African football. He gained significant recognition after leading The Gambia national football team to a historic quarterfinal finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations—their first appearance in the competition.
Over the years, he has coached several African national teams, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia, and is currently in charge of Mali. His ability to build competitive teams with limited resources has earned him strong admiration across the continent.
The two coaches join a growing list of high-profile names linked with the Black Stars job. Among them are Carlos Queiroz, the former Real Madrid and Portugal manager, and Hervé Renard, who has previously coached Chelsea and Ivory Coast, among other national teams.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the Ghana Football Association is under pressure to appoint a coach capable of stabilising the team and restoring confidence among supporters.
Reports suggest that the GFA may opt for a short-term appointment, with the selected coach expected to lead the team through the World Cup campaign. This approach reflects the urgency of the situation, as Ghana prepares to compete on the global stage against strong opposition.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days, as the Black Stars aim to turn the page on recent struggles and rebuild momentum ahead of the tournament.
