Black Stars Door Is Open to Local Players – Winfred Schäfer

The seasoned and vastly experienced German tactician, Winfred Anton Schäfer, has shared his views on local players receiving call-ups into the senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana.

The German coach who led Cameroon to victory in the African Cup of Nations in 2002 issued a clear message to the players in the Ghana Premier League: ‘be focused and consistent to get the Black Stars of Ghana’s attention’.

Schäfer, whose appointment to the technical set-up of the Black Stars was part of a restructuring after the team failed to secure qualification for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), praised the quality within the domestic league.

The Black Stars Technical Advisor and Director of Football, Winfred Schäfer, appointed on 28th January, 2025, has been allowed to closely monitor the Ghana Premier League, which has led to his visitation to many venues in the past two months, assessing players who could strengthen the team ahead of the World Cup in June.

Mr. Schäfer was at Tarkwa over the weekend to observe the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 encounter between Medeama Sporting Club and FC Samartex last Saturday.

He took time to have an interview with Medeamaa FM, where he emphasised that the door to the national team remains open to players performing consistently in the Ghana Premier League and other local competitions.

Schäfer stated, “The heart of football in Ghana is in the local league, not only with players in Europe. I urge all players to work hard if they want to earn a call-up into the Black Stars.”

Schäfer talked about one player who stood out in particular: Benjamin Asare, the custodian for Accra Hearts of Oak, who is now the best player on the national squad.

“The best player I have seen is Benjamin Asare, and he is the Black Stars’ first-choice goalkeeper. I urge all players to work hard if they want to earn a call-up into the Black Stars,” he told Medeamaa FM.

Story by Attakorah (Pramaso)