Winfried Schäfer Appointed Technical Advisor for Black Stars as GFA Strengthens Coaching Team
GFA Bolsters Black Stars Technical Team with International Expertise Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
- GFA has made key changes to the Black Stars’ technical staff
- Schäfer brings a wealth of knowledge to the team
- Belgian sports psychologist Kris Perquy will take on the role of team psychologist
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made key changes to the Black Stars’ technical staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
Former German coach Winfried Anton Schäfer has been appointed as the new Technical Advisor to head coach Otto Addo. With over four decades of coaching experience, Schäfer brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, having led Cameroon to an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2002.
His experience spans several national teams, including Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica, as well as top European clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart, and Borussia Berlin. Schäfer also has extensive experience in the Middle East, having coached top UAE clubs such as Al Ain, Al-Ahli Dubai, and Baniyas.
In addition to his role as Technical Advisor, Schäfer will serve as the Director of Football for the GFA, focusing on the long-term development of football in Ghana.
Also joining the technical team is Desmond Ofei, Ghana’s Under-20 coach, who has garnered attention after leading the team to success at the 2024 African Games. Ofei’s strategic insights will be an asset as he brings his expertise to the Black Stars’ setup.
Belgian sports psychologist Kris Perquy will take on the role of team psychologist. With 17 years of experience, Perquy has been instrumental in professionalizing football psychology in Belgium, having worked with the Belgian Football Association and numerous professional clubs.
Gregory De Grauwe, a Belgian video analysis expert, will head the team’s video analysis department. Holding a UEFA B license, De Grauwe has worked with clubs such as Sporting Lokeren and K. Beerschot VA and is expected to elevate the team’s match preparation and tactical assessments.
The Black Stars’ logistics and preparations will also benefit from the addition of two experienced equipment officers, Issah Amadou of Asante Kotoko and Abdul Rahman Alhassan of Hearts of Oak. With a combined 53 years of experience, they will bring efficiency and professionalism to the team.
These appointments mark a strategic move by the GFA to strengthen the Black Stars’ technical team in anticipation of the challenges ahead on the road to the 2026 World Cup.