Commenting on the qualities of a coach needed to transform the Black Stars into a formidable team, Coach Sarpong said aside having the professional qualification at the highest level, "such a coach should not engage in activities which will amount to conflict of interest”.

He explained that the potential Black Stars coach should not be linked to any player management agency to undermine the selection of players for national assignments.

Experience and integrity

“Such a coach must also have some years of relevant experience of at least 10 years coaching at the top level, must demonstrate a high level of integrity, must be fair and firm in player selection to constitute his team for any national assignment, and must be a team player,” he emphasised.

Coach Sarpong indicated that it was equally important for such a coach to demonstrate the ability to work under difficult circumstances in Ghana and other parts of Africa, as well as have a basic understanding of the English Language and the ability to express himself very well to all stakeholders, including the players and the media.

The elite coach said the salary of the new Black Stars coach "should fit into our budgetary requirements to ensure regular payment to boost his morale".

Player selection

Venturing into the criteria for player selection to constitute the Black Stars, Coach Sarpong said priority should be given to players who performed regularly in their various clubs in Ghana and abroad.

“Selection should be purely on competitive merit. It is only the best among those available in terms of the level of activity, quality of the league and opposition the player competes in, as well as his level of discipline, readiness and willingness to play for the Black Stars and self-motivation devoid of battling for appearance fee’.

“Selection should also be based on the ability to play and excel in difficult environments, as well as experience and excellence in previous playing times in our national team,” he added.