Frederick Acheampong, an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that the GFA preferred appointing Herve Renard as the new Black Stars coach.
However, financial constraints are preventing the nation from affording the salary demands of the Frenchman.
The quest for a new coach gained momentum following the dismissal of Chris Hughton after the Black Stars’ disappointing performance at AFCON 2023.
The spotlight has turned to Herve Renard, a two-time AFCON winner who enjoys popularity among Ghanaians.
Renard, who has expressed his interest in coaching Ghana, has a strong connection with the country, having been part of Claude Le Roy’s technical team during Ghana’s bid to host and win AFCON in 2008.
Renard later achieved success as a coach, leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to AFCON victories in 2012 and 2015, respectively.
Despite Renard being the preferred choice for the GFA, Acheampong outlined the financial challenges faced in securing his services.
Acheampong stated on Akoma FM, “Herve Renard has always been the preferred choice of the FA since the departure of CK Akonnor, and while the coach is willing to coach Ghana, the economic circumstances make it difficult for us to hire him.”
“We approached him prior to the World Cup; at the time, he was with Saudi Arabia. He was interested in the Ghana project, but we couldn’t afford his wage, so we hired Milovan Rajevic.”
Acheampong acknowledged Renard’s priority status for the GFA but emphasized the economic challenges faced by the country.
The committee, led by GFA Vice President Mark Addo, has set a deadline of February 2, 2024, for interested coach applicants, aiming to swiftly find a suitable replacement to guide the national team back to success.
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