Álvaro Monteiro Magalhães, the esteemed 63-year-old Benfica and Portugal football legend, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the position of Black Stars coach. Armed with a UEFA PRO License, the highest coaching certification in football, Magalhães brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to his candidacy.

Having retired as a player, Álvaro began his coaching career in 1994 at Lusitânia Futebol Clube, subsequently managing 14 clubs, including prominent names like Santa Clara, Gil Vicente, and Vitória de Guimarães. The former Portuguese left-back, widely known as Álvaro during his playing days, is seeking to guide the Black Stars to success amid the ongoing search for a new coach led by a five-member committee headed by GFA Vice President Mark Addo.

The Ghana Football Association took the decision to part ways with coach Christ Hughton and disband the technical team of the Black Stars after a disappointing performance in AFCON 2023. Álvaro Magalhães, recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the development and triumph of the Black Stars, officially submitted his application on January 30, 2024.

Magalhães boasts an impressive coaching career, winning the Girabola for Interclube in 2010, and aims to leverage his expertise, experience, and strategic approach to lead the Black Stars to victory in various competitions. As a player, he played a pivotal role in Benfica’s success, securing four Primeira Liga titles and multiple domestic and European cup triumphs.

The selection process for the Black Stars coach involves careful consideration of coaching experience, tactical understanding, leadership qualities, and the ability to work effectively with players. Álvaro Magalhães’ application reflects his belief in the team’s potential and his dedication to utilizing his skills to guide the players towards achieving their goals.

Overall, the veteran’s application signifies his aspiration to contribute to the success of the Black Stars, and the decision-makers will assess his suitability for the role with a keen eye on revitalizing the team’s performance and future prospects.