Former Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics midfielder, Laryea Kingston, has revealed his motivation behind heavily investing in his coaching career.

Kingston announced his unexpected resignation as head coach of Ghana’s National Under-17 Men’s Football Team, the Black Starlets, following their semifinal loss to Burkina Faso.

Ghana was defeated 2-1 by Burkina Faso at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon during the WAFU Under-17 Championship, eliminating them from qualifying for the Under-17 AFCON competition.

In his statement, the former Black Stars player shared that he had planned to step down from his role with the Black Starlets before the tournament began, regardless of the outcome. He added:

“I gave my all as a player for this country, but in the end, I wasn’t happy as a player. I have focused more on my coaching career, educated myself well to ensure I come back and change the narrative. The investment I put in myself is all because I want to change something in Ghana football.”

The winner of the match between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire will join Burkina Faso as WAFU Zone B representatives at the Under-17 AFCON.