Laryea Kingston joins race for vacant Black Stars coaching job - Reports

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has expressed interest in becoming the next head coach of the Black Stars, the local media have reported.

Kingston, who currently oversees Uganda's junior national teams, has emerged as a potential candidate as Ghana searches for a replacement for Carlos Queiroz after resigning from his role after Ghana's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The former Black Stars winger signed a two-year contract with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in October 2025, with responsibility for the country's Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 teams.

He attracted attention after guiding Uganda's Under-17 side to qualification for the 2026 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations.

Kingston then led the team at the tournament in Morocco, where Uganda secured qualification for the Under-17 World Cup after beating Ghana in a play-off.

His interest in the senior national team job comes as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Ministry of Sports and Recreation begin the process of appointing a successor to Queiroz, who left his position following Ghana's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

A five-member search committee has been established to identify, assess and recommend candidates for the vacant position. Former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe is chairing the committee, which is expected to submit its recommendation by 9 October.

Kingston is familiar with Ghana's national-team setup, having previously coached the Black Starlets.

He has also worked with the Right to Dream Academy and Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, as well as RPS Academies in the United States, before taking up his current role in Uganda.

The 44-year-old has previously spoken about his ambition to progress into senior-team management. In January 2026, he said he hoped to lead a major team at the Africa Cup of Nations or work in a first-team environment within five years.

Kingston has also indicated in the past that he would be willing to coach the Black Stars if the right conditions were created.

His emergence as a potential candidate adds another name to the growing list of coaches linked with the vacant position, with Ghana considering both local and foreign options.

Former Manchester United and Trinidad and Tobago striker Dwight Yorke has also recently expressed interest in the role.

The search committee is due to present its recommendation on 9 October, with the GFA and the ministry expected to make a decision on the next permanent Black Stars coach thereafter.