Black Stars technical advisor, Winfried Schaefer, has assured Ghanaian footballers in the local league that they will not be overlooked in the national team selection process.

The veteran German tactician made the declaration during a visit to Hearts of Oak’s training camp, where he encouraged the Phobians ahead of their Ghana Premier League opener against newly promoted Hohoe United at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Schaefer pointed to Ghana’s current first-choice goalkeeper—who plays in the domestic league—as proof that home-based players can excel at the highest level.

> “We have many top players in Europe, but our goalkeeper is a local and was fantastic on Monday. I want to visit the clubs and use him as a role model. All players have a chance to play for the Black Stars,” he said in an interview with the Ghana FA website.

The former Cameroon AFCON-winning coach further pledged to regularly attend league matches to scout and motivate promising talent, stressing the need to restore Ghana’s place as the hub of African football.

> “It’s great motivation for everyone. I’ll be watching the games too. Most African players who play in Europe come from Ghana, and we must be the heart of African football again.”

Despite the optimism, Hearts of Oak were held to a goalless draw by Hohoe United in their season opener.

Appointed in January 2025, Schaefer’s mandate as technical advisor includes offering guidance to the Black Stars’ technical team, supporting the Ghana FA in football development, and contributing to long-term strategies aimed at reviving the country’s footballing fortunes.