Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has declared that he would gladly accept the opportunity to become head coach of the Black Stars if approached by the Ghana Football Association, while insisting that Ghana’s next coach must be given enough time to build a competitive team capable of achieving long term success.
The former midfielder believes Ghanaian football has reached a point where patience and proper planning are more important than quick fixes. Rather than appointing a coach with the expectation of delivering immediate trophies, Kingston wants the Ghana Football Association to embrace a structured rebuilding process that focuses on developing a settled squad over several years.
His comments come at a crucial moment for Ghanaian football, with uncertainty surrounding the future of current Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz following the team’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As discussions continue about who should lead the national team into its next chapter, Kingston has made it clear that coaching Ghana would represent one of the greatest honours of his career.
At the same time, he emphasized that whoever eventually takes charge must receive the support and time needed to implement a long term vision for the Black Stars.
Uncertainty Surrounds Carlos Queiroz
Questions about the future of the Black Stars coaching position have continued since Ghana’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Carlos Queiroz was appointed in April on a short term contract after replacing Otto Addo, with the experienced Portuguese coach brought in to guide the national team through the tournament.
Although Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010, the campaign ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.
Following the elimination, Queiroz shared an emotional message on social media in which he suggested that he was leaving the role with pride.
His statement sparked widespread discussion about the future direction of the national team and whether the Ghana Football Association would appoint a new coach ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
That uncertainty has naturally led to conversations about possible candidates capable of leading the Black Stars into the future.
Kingston Would Welcome the Opportunity
Speaking on Joy Prime, Laryea Kingston made it clear that he would be interested if the Ghana Football Association decided to approach him about the national team job.
Although he currently has coaching responsibilities elsewhere, the former Black Stars midfielder admitted that leading his country would represent a special opportunity.
Kingston explained that coaching the national team would allow him to contribute directly to the future of Ghanaian football while helping develop the next generation of players.
His willingness to accept such a challenge reflects both his passion for Ghana football and his confidence in the ideas he believes can help rebuild the Black Stars.
Rather than focusing only on the prestige of the position, Kingston emphasized the importance of having a clear long term strategy before any meaningful progress can be achieved.
Patience Is Essential
One of the strongest messages delivered by Kingston was the need for greater patience from football authorities and supporters alike.
According to him, rebuilding the national team cannot happen within a few months.
Instead, it requires careful planning, consistency, and the willingness to support a coach through the inevitable challenges that come with developing a new squad.
“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.
His comments reflect a belief that long term stability offers a far greater chance of success than constantly changing direction whenever results become disappointing. Kingston believes patience is one of the most important ingredients in building a successful national team.
Focus on Building Rather Than Immediate Success
The former Ghana star also believes expectations surrounding the Black Stars should be realistic during the rebuilding process.
Rather than demanding immediate trophies, he argues that the first objective should be creating a competitive and balanced team.
“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.”
Kingston believes honesty is essential if Ghana is to move forward. According to him, acknowledging the team’s current situation allows administrators and supporters to focus on meaningful development instead of placing unrealistic pressure on players and coaches. He argues that building a strong foundation today will increase Ghana’s chances of future success.
Build the Team Before the Tournament
Kingston also stressed the importance of assembling a settled national team well before major competitions begin. He believes successful teams are developed gradually rather than hurriedly just before tournaments.
“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.”
According to him, giving players time to develop partnerships and understand tactical systems significantly improves performances during competitive matches.
Regular preparation also allows coaches to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and create a clear football identity long before major tournaments arrive.
Kingston believes this approach would help Ghana compete more consistently against the world’s strongest teams.
Happy in Uganda but Open to Ghana
Although Kingston has openly expressed his interest in coaching the Black Stars, he also made it clear that he remains committed to his current position.
The former winger is presently in charge of Uganda’s Under 17 national team and says he is enjoying his coaching experience there.
Nevertheless, he admitted that representing Ghana in a coaching capacity would carry unique emotional significance.
“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.”
His comments highlight the pride many former players feel about contributing to Ghanaian football after their playing careers have ended. Kingston views coaching the Black Stars as both a professional challenge and a personal dream.
Coaching Experience Continues to Grow
Kingston is no stranger to working within national team environments. Three years ago, he coached Ghana’s Under 17 national team, the Black Starlets, gaining valuable experience in youth development and international football.
Since moving to Uganda, he has continued building his coaching reputation. One of his biggest achievements came when he guided Uganda’s Under 17 team to qualification for the FIFA Under 17 World Cup.
Ironically, that success came after Uganda eliminated Ghana during the qualifying play offs. That accomplishment demonstrated Kingston’s ability to organize young teams, develop talented players, and compete successfully in high pressure matches.
His growing coaching experience has strengthened his belief that long term planning remains the key to sustained success.
Ghana Faces Important Decisions
The Ghana Football Association is expected to make important decisions regarding the future of the Black Stars following another major international tournament.
Supporters, former players, coaches, and football analysts have all offered different opinions on the direction the national team should take.
Some believe continuity is important, while others argue that a fresh start is needed. Kingston’s proposal focuses less on the identity of the coach and more on the conditions under which that coach will work.
He believes any manager, regardless of nationality or reputation, requires time, stability, and institutional support to build a successful team. Without those elements, he argues, lasting progress will remain difficult to achieve.
Eyes Turn Toward AFCON Qualification
Although discussions about the coaching position continue, preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will soon begin.
Those matches represent the next important challenge for the Black Stars and could also mark the beginning of a new cycle for the national team.
Kingston believes this period offers an ideal opportunity to establish the long term project he has proposed.
Starting now would give the coaching staff several years to build a settled squad before the next FIFA World Cup.
Such continuity, he believes, would significantly improve Ghana’s chances of returning to the highest level of international football.
A Vision Built on Patience and Planning
Laryea Kingston’s message combines ambition with realism. While he admits that coaching the Black Stars would be a dream opportunity, he also insists that meaningful success will only come if Ghana embraces patience, long term planning, and stability.
Rather than chasing immediate trophies, he wants the Ghana Football Association to commit to building a competitive national team over several years.
His recommendation for a five year project reflects lessons learned from both his playing and coaching career, as well as his belief that successful football nations are built through careful preparation rather than quick decisions.
As the Ghana Football Association considers the future of the Black Stars, Kingston’s comments provide another important perspective in the national conversation. Whether or not he eventually receives the opportunity to lead the team, his call for patience, structured planning, and long term development is likely to remain central to discussions about the future of Ghanaian football.
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