Newly appointed Black Stars assistant coach Roger de Sa has described his inclusion in Ghana’s technical team as a privilege, as the West African nation steps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced South African tactician, who joined the setup in April, will serve as deputy to head coach Carlos Queiroz at the tournament in North America.
De Sa revealed that the opportunity came unexpectedly through a late-night message from Queiroz, with whom he has built a long-standing professional relationship.
“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. It was not a very difficult decision to make and accept.”
Queiroz and De Sa have previously worked together across several national teams, including South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran, adding continuity to their coaching partnership at international level.
The 61-year-old said his family, particularly his wife, was the first to hear the news after receiving Queiroz’s message.
“Then, of course, having read the message in the 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 a fantastic national team at the World Cup once again. It is a privilege, and I enjoy every day and make the most of it,” he added.
Ghana, who will be making their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group I alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before taking on England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
Ahead of the tournament, Queiroz’s side will fine-tune preparations with friendly matches against Mexico later this month and Wales on June 2.
