Frimpong Manso, coach of Bibiani GoldStars, has been named the new head coach of Ghana’s U17 national team, the Black Starlets. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed Manso’s appointment as he steps in to replace Laryea Kingston, who exited during the qualifiers for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
The veteran coach, a former player for Asante Kotoko and Ghana, is tasked with rebuilding the team and steering them to qualification for the next U17 AFCON. The Black Starlets failed to qualify for this year’s tournament under Kingston.
Manso returns to a familiar role, having served as head coach of the Black Starlets between 2009 and 2010 and as an assistant coach in the past. He also brings extensive experience from his time as assistant coach of the Black Meteors and a managerial career that includes stints at clubs such as Asante Kotoko, Karela United, and Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
The Black Starlets, two-time African champions and Ghana’s first national team to win a FIFA World Cup, last qualified for the U17 AFCON in 2017, where they finished as runners-up.
