Newly appointed Black Stars assistant coach Roger de Sa has revealed the moment he received the call that led to his latest role with Ghana’s national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
De Sa, who was confirmed in April as part of Ghana’s technical team, will serve as deputy to head coach Carlos Queiroz as the team prepares for the global tournament.
The experienced South African coach, 61, said the opportunity came unexpectedly during the night when Queiroz reached out to him directly.
“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 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.”
De Sa and Queiroz share a long professional relationship, having worked together across several national teams, including South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran.
Reflecting on the moment, De Sa said his first reaction after reading the message was to inform his wife.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Ghana, preparing for their fifth World Cup appearance, have been drawn in Group I alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before facing 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.
