Technical Advisor of the Black Stars, Winfried Schäfer, has urged fans to rally behind the team as he commits to supporting head coach Otto Addo in rebuilding the squad.
The experienced German coach was brought into the Black Stars’ technical setup following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the first time in two decades that the team has missed out on the tournament.
Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, Schäfer—who led Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2002—emphasized the need for patience and unity. He pledged to work closely with Otto Addo and the players to restore the team’s strength and competitiveness.
Acknowledging the recent disappointment, Schäfer encouraged players to embrace the honor of representing Ghana.
“I know we are not very happy because the team didn’t make it to the Africa Cup of Nations, but please give us the support. I want to talk to the players. I want to help the staff. I want to help the coach so that we come back stronger, believe me. But for this, we have to work very hard. The players have to feel proud playing for Ghana,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of motivation among players, whether local or foreign-based, to earn a place in the squad.
“Players outside Ghana or the local players have to feel hungry for a call-up to play for Ghana. And Ghana is a football land—the best land in Africa for football. And we have to come back. Please give us the support. Stay behind us. You are our 12th man, and we can do it.”
The Black Stars will regroup later this month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, at 19:00 GMT, before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar at the Grand Stade d’Al Hoceima on Monday, March 24.
Ghana currently sits second in Group I with nine points from four matches.