The Ghana Football Association announced the appointment of Winfired Schafer as the Black Stars technical director, bringing decades of expertise to the national team setup.
Schafer is an experienced football tactician with an impressive resume, having managed several national teams and club sides across the continent.
Here are five key facts about the newly appointed German.
Afcon winner with Cameroon
Schafer guided the Indomitable Lions to their fourth AFCON title triumph in 2002, defeating Senegal on penalties in the final. His tactical prowess established Cameroon as one Africa’s dominant teams at the time.
2003 FIFA Confederations Cup runners-up
He guided Cameroon to the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup narrowly losing to France via a Thierry Henry’s 97th-minute golden goal. He made history by making Cameroon the first African country to be at the final.
Success across three continent
Schafer has won eight trophies in his managerial career, including the Caribbean Cup with Jamaica in 2015 and the UAE Super Cup with Al Ain in 2009. He won the League title with Al Ahli in the 2005-2006 season.
He won three domestic cups with Al-Ain, UAE President’s Cup 2008–09, Etisalat Emirates Cup 2008–09,and the UAE Super Cup 2009.
In total, the German has three national honours and five club honours.
Extensive Coaching experience
Schäfer began his coaching career in 1986 when he became the coach at Karlsruher SC, following his playing career at the club.
With 948 matches as a manager, Schafer boosted a 42.19% win rate, demonstrating his consistency over the years.
His coaching career has spanned multiple continents, building a reputation for transforming teams.
Bundesliga Career
The now 75-year-old was a talented midfielder who played for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach and Kickers Offenbach.
He made 403 appearances and scored 46 goals. He won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal Cup and the Uefa Cup winners Cup showcasing his footballing pedigree.
