Former Ghana Premier League star Esme Mends lands top GFA appointment

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has made a significant addition to its administrative team by appointing Esme Mends, a former Ghana Premier League star, to the role of Club Licensing Manager and administrative assistant to the National Teams Department.

This move comes as part of the GFA's effort to incorporate former players into the daily operations of football in the country. Mends, who recently ended his 12-year professional football career, will be taking over the position previously held by Julius Ben Emunah, who has been reassigned to head the Competitions Department.

Having had a successful playing career that included a league victory with Hearts of Oak and impressive performances at Real Sportive, Mends brings a wealth of experience to the table. He spent three seasons with the defunct Real Sportive in Tema before joining Accra Hearts of Oak in 2008, where he clinched the Ghana Premier League title in 2009.

Afterwards, Mends went on to represent clubs in Oman and South Africa before retiring in 2016. Currently, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sports Coaching at the University of Education in Winneba.

The GFA's decision to appoint Mends is expected to provide valuable insights and expertise to the association, while also offering opportunities for former players to contribute to the development of football in Ghana. This move is seen as a positive step in promoting the involvement of former footballers in the administration of the sport at the national level.