Black Stars technical advisor Winfried Schaefer has underlined his determination to ensure that home-based footballers are not overlooked in the race for national team places.
The veteran German coach, who paid a visit to Hearts of Oak’s camp ahead of their Ghana Premier League clash with Hohoe United on Friday, insisted that the doors of the senior side remain wide open to every deserving player.
“We have many top players playing in Europe, but our goalkeeper is a local and was fantastic on Monday. I want to visit the clubs and use him as a role model. All players have a chance to play for the Black Stars team,” Schaefer told the Ghana FA’s official website.
The 74-year-old, who guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002, believes the message should inspire footballers across the country.
“It’s great motivation for everyone. I’ll be watching the games too. Most African players who play in Europe come from Ghana, and we must be the heart of African football again,” he added.
Despite Schaefer’s rousing words, Hearts were frustrated in Accra as newly-promoted Hohoe United held them to a stalemate in their opening league fixture.
Since taking up his advisory role in January, Schaefer has been tasked with shaping long-term football strategy, offering technical guidance, and working hand in hand with the Ghana FA’s Technical Directorate to put Ghanaian football back among the continent’s elite.
