Slaven Bilic, Tom Saintfiet join race for Black Stars coaching job

Two new names have joined the race as leading contenders for Ghana’s vacant Black Stars coaching job, following a Ghana Football Association Executive Council meeting held on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Former West Ham United and Croatia coach Slaven Bilić and experienced Belgian tactician Tom Saintfiet are the latest candidates under consideration as the GFA intensifies its search for a new head coach.

Their emergence comes in the wake of the dismissal of Otto Addo, whose second stint with the Black Stars was cut short following a string of poor results. Ghana’s recent defeats to Austria and Germany in international friendlies, part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, proved decisive in the GFA’s decision to part ways with him.

Slaven Bilić

Bilić, 55, brings a wealth of top-level experience to the table. The former Croatia national team boss guided his country to the quarterfinals of the 2008 UEFA European Championship and built a reputation for disciplined, attacking football. At club level, he enjoyed a notable spell with West Ham United in the English Premier League, leading the Hammers to a seventh-place finish in the 2015–16 season. He has also managed clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China, adding to his broad international résumé.

Tom Stainfiet

Saintfiet, on the other hand, is widely regarded for his deep knowledge of African football. The 51-year-old most recently coached The Gambia, leading them to a historic quarterfinal finish at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, their debut appearance at the tournament. Over the years, he has managed several national teams across the continent, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ethiopia, earning praise for his ability to build competitive sides with limited resources. Tom Staintfiet is also the current coach of the Mali national football team.Premier League updates

The two join a growing list of coaches linked to the Black Stars job in recent days. High-profile names such as former Real Madrid and Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz and ex-Chelsea and Ivory Coast manager Hervé Renard have also been mentioned, alongside other European and African tacticians.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada fast approaching, the GFA faces mounting pressure to appoint a head coach capable of stabilising the team and restoring confidence among fans.