Former Black Stars coach, James Kwesi Appiah, is poised to embark on a new coaching journey as he prepares to lead Sudan’s national football team, following a pivotal meeting with the esteemed life patron of Asante Kotoko, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Kwesi Appiah, a seasoned coach in the world of football, had expressed his readiness to return to Sudan, this time in the capacity of the national team coach, having previously led Al Khartoum. However, his concurrent role as the Technical Director of Asante Kotoko necessitated a careful negotiation process with the club’s leadership before sealing the deal.
On September 27, Asante Kotoko officially confirmed in a statement that James Kwesi Appiah had received the blessings of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to assume the role of Head Coach for Sudan’s national team while simultaneously continuing his duties as the Technical Director of the Porcupine Warriors.
“The life patron of Asante Kotoko, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has blessed our technical director, Kwasi Appiah, to accept the role as Head Coach of the Sudan national team,” the club announced.
Kwesi Appiah’s decision to accept the coaching position in Sudan has prompted inquiries about his intentions to participate in the upcoming Ghana Football Association (GFA) elections. However, it has been clarified that Appiah remains committed to pursuing his candidacy in the elections while also fulfilling his coaching responsibilities with Asante Kotoko.
“Mr. Appiah will, however, maintain his role as Technical Director of Kotoko. He will contest in the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council elections next month in this capacity. The experienced technical brain, who has managed the Black Stars twice in the periods of 2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2019, is expected to lead the technical direction of Kotoko as we work on restructuring the team.”
During his previous tenure with Al Khartoum, Kwesi Appiah led the team to a commendable fourth-place finish in the league and secured qualification for the Confederation Cup, leaving a lasting mark on Sudanese football.