The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has defended its decision to appoint Kim Lars Bjorkegren as interim coach of the Black Stars, saying the Swedish manager is the “best-performing coach” among the country’s national teams.
Bjorkegren, who is also in charge of the Black Queens, will take temporary control of Ghana’s men’s senior team for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Somalia.
A five-member selection committee recommended the appointment after Carlos Queiroz’s departure from the GFA. Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram have been named as Bjorkegren’s assistants.
GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum said the committee had chosen Bjorkegren after assessing the coaches already working within Ghana’s national-team structure.
“The committee looked within and settled on Kim Lars Bjorkegren because he is the best-performing coach in terms of the national teams, so I don’t think it will be a challenge for him,” Asante Twum told Asempa FM.
He added that Attram had been selected because of his previous work with Queiroz.
“The committee felt we have to look at someone who worked with Carlos Queiroz, and it is obviously Godwin Attram,” he said.
Tanko was also included in the coaching team, with Asante Twum pointing to his current domestic record.
“Ibrahim Tanko is the best coach in the country at the moment. He is the defending champion of the Ghana Premier League and currently sits at the top of the league,” he added.
Bjorkegren’s temporary move to the Black Stars comes as the Black Queens prepare for the World Cup play-off tournament. Ghana will face Ecuador, Uzbekistan and Papua New Guinea in the competition, which is reportedly scheduled to be held in Morocco on November 28.
The tournament is due to begin 13 days after Ghana’s second Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia, raising questions over whether Bjorkegren’s switch to the men’s team could disrupt preparations for the women’s side.
Asante Twum said the GFA was aware of the timing but did not expect the appointment to create difficulties.
“We are aware that the Black Queens will prepare next month for the World Cup play-offs, but I don’t think that his appointment will be a hindrance,” he said.
