By Benard Worlali Awumee
Anloga, (V/R), April 24, GNA-Some residents across Anloga and Keta in the Volta Region have expressed mixed reactions on Mr Carlos Queiros as the new head coach of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
While some football fans have welcomed the development with optimism, others remained cautious, calling for consistency, discipline, and improved performance from the national team after recent underwhelming outings.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, football enthusiasts and sports journalists in Anloga and Keta shared varied opinions on the appointment.
Mr Sorkpor Remember, a football analyst in Anloga, expressed optimism, noting that “We are happy a new coach has come, but what we want now is the results. Ghana must compete strongly at the World Cup; every new coach brings new energy. We believe Carlos Quiros can rebuild the team if he is given full support, time, and room to operate.”
However, some supporters remain unconvinced, citing past disappointments in the national team’s coaching changes.
One fan said: “We have had big coaches like Milovan, Stevanovic, and Avram Grant before. What matters is discipline and selecting the right players, not names.”
Despite the mixed sentiments, there is a strong consensus on the need for higher expectations, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching.
Many residents believe the Black Stars must restore national pride and deliver a strong campaign.
Mr Fred Nuviadenu, sports analyst, summarized the general mood by saying, “We are divided in our opinion, but united in hope. Ghana football needs revival, and we are expecting nothing less than a strong World Cup performance.”
Mr Dennis Eli Junior, Sports journalist of Keta-based Sandcity Radio, also expressed confidence in the new coach, emphasising the need for autonomy and stability
“Carlos Quiros would do well as Black Stars coach on condition that he is allowed to operate as the manager of the team. He must be responsible for player call-ups and tactical deployment. He should also be given enough time to work, even beyond the World Cup. Longevity produces consistency and results.”
Members of the public who called into various sports programmes on local radio stations echoed similar sentiments of cautious optimism.
Carlos Queiros was appointed as the new head coach of the Black Stars following the departure of Otto Addo in March this year and was officially unveiled on Thursday, April 23, as the Portuguese begins preparations for the Mundial in June at Mexico, USA and Canada.
Ghana has been drawn in Group F alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah