Winfried Schäfer wasn’t expecting the call. Sitting in a quiet café in Manchester, the seasoned German coach was enjoying a moment of reflection when his phone buzzed. On the other end was Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, extending an offer that would take Schäfer by surprise—the role of technical advisor for the Black Stars.

Curious about the vision behind the offer, Schäfer agreed to meet Okraku. The conversation that followed left him impressed. “I wanted to understand his plans for Ghanaian football, and after hearing them, I knew this was a project worth joining,” Schäfer recalled.

Despite Ghana’s recent disappointment—failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—Schäfer saw an opportunity to contribute to a football culture rich with history and passion. “Ghana breathes football. It’s a country where the sport means everything, and I’m happy to be part of this journey,” he shared.

With head coach Otto Addo leading the team, Schäfer is confident in the Black Stars’ future. “We have good players, a strong technical team, and if we work together, great things can happen,” he said with conviction.

His first test comes soon: Ghana faces Chad in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier on March 17, followed by a battle against Madagascar four days later. For Schäfer, the unexpected call has turned into an exciting challenge—one he’s ready to embrace.