African giants appoint former Bafana Bafana coach

Former Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Queiroz has been handed another shot at international management after Ghana confirmed his return as head coach of the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the reappointment of the experienced Portuguese tactician, who returns for a second spell in charge of the West African giants.

Queiroz will officially begin his new mandate during the upcoming international window.

His return comes just weeks after his previous mandate, which included leading Ghana at the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup, came to an end.

The GFA has now opted to bring the 73-year-old back as it looks to enter the next phase of its international programme.

Queiroz back in charge of Ghana

Confirming the appointment, the GFA said it had reached an agreement with Queiroz following discussions involving the association and Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Carlos Queiroz for his appointment as Head Coach of the Black Stars for the next phase of the team’s programme,” the association said.

“Queiroz’s previous mandate, which included leading Ghana at the just-concluded FIFA World Cup, concluded a few weeks ago.

“Following discussions with the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, it was agreed that Carlos Queiroz would embark on a new coaching mandate, commencing with the upcoming international window.”

The GFA believes Queiroz’s experience makes him the right man to lead Ghana into its next chapter.

“The GFA believes Queiroz’s extensive international experience, technical expertise and knowledge of the Black Stars position him strongly to lead the team into this next chapter,” the statement added.

Former Bafana coach returns to the dugout

Queiroz is a familiar name to South African football supporters.

The Portuguese coach previously served as Bafana Bafana head coach, taking charge of the national team between 2000 and 2002.

He guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup before leaving his position ahead of the tournament.

Queiroz has subsequently built an extensive international coaching CV, including spells with Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt, while also working as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

His latest challenge will now be to steer Ghana through another important period.

AFCON qualifiers the immediate priority

Queiroz’s immediate attention will turn to Ghana’s upcoming international commitments, with the Black Stars entering another crucial phase of their programme.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers will provide the first major test of his second spell.

READ | AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Rating Bafana Bafana’s chances of advancing

The Portuguese coach will have little time to settle back into the role before being expected to prepare Ghana for its next competitive assignments

For Queiroz, it represents another opportunity to make his mark on African football.

Ghana have been drawn in Group C for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia.

And for Ghana, the decision to bring back a coach who already knows the squad and the environment signals a desire for experience as the Black Stars look towards the next chapter.

Ghana are ranked 65th in the latest FIFA rankings and 14th in Africa.