Roger de Sa Calls Black Stars Appointment a Privilege

Newly appointed Black Stars assistant coach of Ghana’s Black Stars, Roger de Sa, has expressed deep appreciation for his appointment, saying he sees it as a meaningful opportunity and a privilege as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South African coach was named in Ghana’s technical team in April ahead of the global tournament in North America. He will serve as deputy to long-time head coach Carlos Queiroz as Ghana builds its squad for the competition.

“I got the news overnight. I received a message from Carlos Queiroz basically asking me if I was up for a big challenge again, and he asked me to call him as soon as I woke up,” De Sa told SportsBoom.co.za.

“He basically told me that, look, the Ghana national team was looking for his services, and obviously, he would require me to go and assist him, and it was not a very difficult decision to make and accept.”

De Sa and Queiroz are not new to working together. The two coaches have previously collaborated with several national teams, including South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran. Their long-standing professional relationship played a key role in De Sa’s quick decision to accept the Ghana job.

The 61-year-old coach also revealed that his wife was the first person he informed after receiving the message from Queiroz.

“Then, of course, having read the message very early hours of the morning, the first person I told was my wife, just to let her know that there would be a strong possibility that this would happen and that it was another World Cup and my seventh national team. I think she’s become pretty accustomed to this.

“It’s always a great honour to be part of the fantastic national team in the World Cup once again. It is a privilege, and I enjoy every day and make the most of it,” he added.

The Black Stars, Ghana’s senior national football team, will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They have been placed in Group I, where they will face Panama, England, and Croatia.

Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17. They will then take on England on June 23 before concluding their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.