The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made a significant announcement regarding the appointment of Winfried Anton Schafer as the technical advisor of the Black Stars and director of football for the association. Schafer, a highly respected German tactician with over 40 years of coaching experience, is set to bring his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
With a distinguished coaching career that includes winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2002 and successful stints with national teams like Thailand and Jamaica, Schafer is no stranger to managing top-tier teams. His resume also boasts managing prominent European clubs such as Borussia Monchengladbach, Karlsruher SC, VfB Stuttgart, and Borussia Berlin, as well as coaching in the United Arab Emirates with clubs like Al Ain, Al-Ahli Dubai, Baniyas, and Al-Khor.
In his new role as the Director of Football for the GFA, Schafer will be responsible for providing technical guidance and leadership to the association. He will work closely with the Technical Directorate to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that align with Ghana’s football philosophy. Schafer will oversee youth development programs, ensure high performance standards across all teams, and collaborate with Head Coach Otto Addo to build a strong Black Stars squad.
Before venturing into coaching, Schafer had a successful playing career in the German league system, playing 438 matches and scoring 62 goals over a span of 17 years. His playing experience has undoubtedly influenced his managerial philosophy and approach to the game.
Schafer’s appointment is expected to bolster Ghana football’s technical foundation and drive sustainable development at all levels. His track record of building competitive teams and fostering long-term growth makes him a key figure in the GFA’s aspirations for the Black Stars and the overall development of football in the nation.
The integration of Winfried Anton Schafer into the GFA setup signifies a new era for Ghanaian football, with hopes of achieving greater success on the international stage under his guidance.