Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Winfried Schaefer, has revealed that he took up the challenge of leading Ghana’s football restructuring not for prestige, but out of deep concern for the nation’s footballing future.
Speaking in an interview with German newspaper Sächsische Zeitung, the experienced football tactician did not mince words about the state of affairs he encountered upon taking the job. “The team had missed the Africa Cup—something considered a catastrophe in Ghana.
There was unrest in the squad, World Cup qualification wasn’t going well and the president of the federation asked me to come in and bring some structure,” Schaefer explained.
Known for his stints across the African football landscape, including a notable role with Cameroon where he won the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, Schaefer said he understands what it takes to get things moving in the right direction on the continent.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. The real challenge is to implement sustainable football projects within Ghana,” he noted, adding that lasting reform goes beyond tactics and team selection.
While Schaefer admitted that resources remain an obstacle, he expressed hope for strategic partnerships to bring his vision to life. “I’m still looking for international partners who can support us. But I’m optimistic,” he said.
What stands out in his message is humility wrapped in experience. “It’s not about being a guru,” he emphasized. “But I’ve been around long enough to know what works in African football.”
