Ghana’s U17 national football team, the Black Starlets, has appointed Stephen Frimpong Manso as its new head coach, effective January 1, 2025.
His appointment follows the resignation of Laryea Kingston after a disappointing campaign in the WAFU Zone B U17 Cup of Nations, where the team fell short of qualifying for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Frimpong Manso brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several top Ghanaian clubs such as Asante Kotoko, Karela United, and Bibiani Gold Stars.
His most recent coaching tenure was with Bibiani Gold Stars. He has also coached teams abroad, including Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast, B.A. United, Kessben FC (now Medeama SC), and Nkoranza Warriors.
A former player with the Black Stars, Frimpong Manso had a successful career as a defender, earning 14 caps for the senior national team between 1986 and 1995.
He also had stints with Asante Kotoko and Al Shabab in Kuwait. Manso is recognized for his strong focus on youth development, a quality that has seen him previously serve as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets from 2009 to 2010 and for Ghana’s U23 team, the Black Meteors, from 2006 to 2008.
His extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, positions him well to lead the Black Starlets into their future challenges. Ghana’s U17 side has had mixed results recently, notably reaching the semi-finals of the WAFU Zone B U17 Championship in 2024 but failing to secure a spot in the Africa U17 Cup of Nations after a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso.
Looking ahead, Frimpong Manso will aim to revitalize the team and focus on securing qualification for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations and other upcoming tournaments.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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