GFA President Called Me to Save Ghana Football – Winfried Schaefer
Winfried Schaefer outlines his mission to reform Ghana football as Technical Advisor and GFA Director of Football
Veteran German coach Winfried Schaefer has revealed that his recent appointment as Technical Advisor to the Black Stars and Director of Football at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) was made at the request of GFA President Kurt Okraku, who sought urgent intervention to address the country’s ailing football systems.
In an interview with German publication Sächsische Zeitung, Schaefer explained that his engagement came at a critical time when the national team had missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and had made a stuttering start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The interview was later cited by JoySports on May 23, 2025.
“The team had missed the Africa Cup—something considered a catastrophe in Ghana. There was unrest in the squad, World Cup qualification wasn’t going well, and the president of the federation asked me to come in and bring some structure,” Schaefer said.
Not a Coach, But a Builder of Systems
At 75, Schaefer brings with him a wealth of experience, having managed national teams such as Cameroon—whom he guided to win the 2002 AFCON—and Jamaica, where he helped transform their football setup. In Ghana, however, his role is not to take over as coach but to provide overarching technical and structural leadership.
“It’s not about being a guru,” he said. “But I’ve been around long enough to know what works in African football.”
Working closely with Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, Schaefer’s mission includes rebuilding cohesion across Ghana’s football landscape, which he describes as “fragmented.” He aims to unify and modernise operations from the grassroots to the senior national team, placing emphasis on long-term development and international partnerships.
Rebuilding the Foundation of Ghana Football
Schaefer emphasized the importance of implementing long-term, sustainable football projects in Ghana. He acknowledged the need for collaboration with both local institutions and international stakeholders to revive Ghana’s football fortunes.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he admitted. “The real challenge is to implement sustainable football projects within Ghana. I’m still looking for international partners who can support us. But I’m optimistic.”
As Director of Football, Schaefer is responsible for offering technical guidance, streamlining player development pathways, and advising on national team structures. His appointment comes amid mounting public pressure on the GFA to reform and revive Ghana’s once-vibrant football heritage.
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