I would love to lead Black Stars as head coach, says Laryea Kingston
Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has expressed his willingness to take over as head coach of the Black Stars if offered the opportunity, while urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to adopt a long-term approach to rebuilding the national team.
The future of current Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz remains uncertain after Ghana's disappointing exit from the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Queiroz, who was appointed on a short-term contract in April following the dismissal of Otto Addo, suggested in a social media post after the team's elimination that he was leaving his position with pride.
As the GFA weighs its next move, Kingston has emerged as one of the local coaches prepared to take on the challenge.
The former Black Stars winger, who is currently in charge of Uganda's U-17 national team, believes Ghana's next appointment should be centred on a long-term vision rather than immediate success.
Speaking on Joy Prime, Kingston stressed that the country must move away from the pressure of demanding instant trophies and instead focus on building a competitive squad over the next five years.
According to him, the Black Stars need stability and patience, with the next FIFA World Cup still four years away. He argued that Ghana should appoint a coach with a clear mandate to rebuild the team, develop a strong core of players and prepare well ahead of major tournaments instead of assembling squads at the last minute.
Kingston also admitted he would welcome the opportunity to lead the four-time African champions if the GFA approached him.
"Now, we need to look at the long-term projects, at least five years. We shouldn't think about getting the coach to come in, and then he has to win something now. We have to be patient and have a five-year project," the former Ghana international said.
"The next World Cup is in four years, and even with the upcoming AFCON, we don't need to think about winning it now. We need to be honest; we don't have a team at the moment, so we need to hire a coach and give him at least five years and use him as a project. The coach should build a team for us, and we should make sure we have a team before there is a competition. We shouldn't wait until the last minute, and then we call players to come in.
"I have a job now, and I am happy with my job for now. I'm a Ghanaian, and I would love to hear that call [from the FA to come and coach the team]. There is no better joy than helping your country."
The former midfielder last worked with the Ghana national team during his spell as coach of the Black Starlets three years ago.
Since taking charge of Uganda's U-17 side, Kingston has enjoyed considerable success, guiding the team to qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Ghana in the qualification playoff.