In a significant move for Ghanaian football, Frimpong Manso has been appointed head coach of the Ghana U17 national team, the Black Starlets. This appointment comes with high praise and a stern warning from former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice president, George Afriyie, who believes Manso’s integrity and independence make him impervious to potential manipulation by the FA.

Manso, currently the head coach of Bibiani Goldstars in the Ghana Premier League, replaces Laryea Kingston, who departed during the qualifiers for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. Afriyie, speaking on Kessben FM, lauded Manso’s uncompromising character, stating, “The FA will find him a difficult coach to work with unless the Frimpong I know has changed.”

Afriyie highlighted the critical role of the U17 team in reviving Ghanaian football, pointing out that the Black Starlets’ success has historically placed Ghana on the international football map. He added, “If we groom a solid U17 team, it will bolster the U20, U23, and ultimately the Black Stars.”

Manso, who previously held this role from 2009 to 2010, has a wealth of experience. He has served as assistant coach for both the Black Starlets and Black Meteors and has managed clubs including Asante Kotoko, Karela United, and Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast.

The Black Starlets, two-time African champions and the first Ghanaian team to win the FIFA U17 World Cup, have struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations since finishing as runners-up in 2017. Manso’s return brings renewed hope for a revival of Ghana’s footballing glory at this level.