Former Hearts of Oak chief executive Harry Zakour has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to resist the temptation to retain Carlos Queiroz and instead entrust the Black Stars to a younger Ghanaian coach.
Queiroz’s future has become a subject of uncertainty following the end of his short-term mandate, which ran through Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The Portuguese tactician steered the Black Stars into the knockout phase for the first time since their famous run in 2010, but an extension has reportedly failed to materialise, leaving the GFA to weigh up its options ahead of the next international cycle.
Zakour believes that cycle should begin under younger, homegrown leadership, with former Black Stars midfielder Laryea Kingston emerging as his preferred candidate.
Kingston, who is currently in charge of Uganda’s men’s national teams, has impressed Zakour with his work and, in his view, has earned the opportunity to return to Ghana in a senior coaching capacity.
“I don’t believe Carlos Queiroz must continue as Black Stars coach. He is old for this job,” Zakour told Sporty FM.
Rather than looking abroad once again, Zakour wants the GFA to invest in Ghanaian coaching talent, pointing specifically to Kingston’s progress with Uganda.
“We have good coaches around like Laryea Kingston, but the problem is that he will be hired, and they will not pay him. We have all seen what he is doing in Uganda, and I think, for me, we must give him a look.”
Kingston’s candidacy comes as the GFA prepares to settle on the man who will oversee Ghana’s next phase, with the Black Stars due to return to competitive action in September for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Assistant coach Desmond Ofei is also understood to be among the leading contenders for the vacant position.
GFA president Kurt Okraku has meanwhile suggested that the search is nearing its conclusion, raising expectations that an announcement could be imminent.
George Afriyie: Carlos Queiroz’s cautious approach did not suit Ghana
Whoever takes the reins will inherit a side coming off a significant World Cup milestone, but one that now needs to convert that progress into sustained success.
For Zakour, that responsibility should fall to a younger Ghanaian coach, and he believes Kingston has already done enough in Uganda to warrant serious consideration.
