Why Walid Regragui Will Not Take Black Stars Job After Otto Addo's Exit
- Ghana’s search for Otto Addo’s replacement as Black Stars coach has reportedly run into an unexpected hurdle
- Big names such as Walid Regragui, Hervé Renard, and Kwesi Appiah are believed to be among the leading candidates for the job
- Meanwhile, the GFA president has disclosed that over 600 coaches have applied for the position
The search for a new Black Stars head coach is already proving more complex than expected, with one of the early favourites now likely to step aside.
Ghana has been without a manager since the GFA relieved Otto Addo of his duties on Tuesday, March 31.
Source: Getty Images
His departure followed a run of disappointing results, including a 7-2 aggregate loss to Austria and Germany in the space of three days.
After the game in Stuttgart, the GFA confirmed that it had "parted ways" with Addo and that his exit was "effective immediately".
It also stated: "The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course."
Why Regragui won't be Black Stars coach
Since Addo’s exit, several names have emerged as possible replacements, with three coaches initially viewed as leading contenders.
Walid Regragui, the former Morocco head coach, was among them.
Reports suggested that the GFA had already made contact, with his credentials strongly admired within the federation.
There was even a belief that Ghana would be willing to go the extra mile in terms of finances to secure his services.
However, fresh updates indicate that Regragui is not interested in taking up the role. According to UK-based Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman, who covered Ghana’s game against Germany in Stuttgart, the Moroccan coach has opted out of the race.
Osman explained that Regragui is not prepared to take on another coaching job within Africa at this stage.
Below is Rahman Osman's explainer on X:
He also noted that the coach has already communicated his decision to the GFA and asked to be removed from consideration.
While his potential of becoming the next Black Stars coach is almost over, a move to Saudi Arabia now appears more likely for the 50-year-old.
Despite the setback, the GFA remains ready to back its next appointment financially, with strong support expected from the Sports Ministry.
Source: Getty Images
Renard and Appiah emerge as key contenders
With Regragui effectively out of the picture, the focus tilts towards Herve Renard.
According to Ghanasoccernet, the French coach is reportedly close to leaving his current role in Saudi Arabia. If that happens, he could become a serious candidate for the Black Stars job.
Renard is well respected in African football and has long been linked with Ghana. He previously worked as part of Claude Le Roy’s technical team during Le Roy’s spell in charge of the Black Stars between 2006 and 2008.
Kwesi Appiah also remains firmly in the conversation. The former Ghana coach is admired within both the GFA and government circles, largely due to his familiarity with the team and his previous success in the role across two spells.
With more than 600 applications received, the GFA has a wide pool of candidates to assess.
According to GFA president Kurt Okraku, the process will take into account several key factors before a final decision is made.
A new coach is expected to be appointed within the next one to two weeks as Ghana looks to stabilise the team and prepare for the challenge ahead.
Kwesi Appiah reacts to Ghana coaching links
YEN.com.gh previously reported that Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah has addressed reports linking him to the vacant Black Stars coaching job after Otto Addo was dismissed.
The speculation comes after Addo’s departure following a challenging spell in charge.
Source: YEN.com.gh
