As part of the Ghana Women’s Football Strategy, the Ghana Football Association has appointed coaches for the newly established national female teams. The GFA has formed new national teams for U-23, U-21, U-19, U-18 and U-16. These teams would be used as feeder teams for the senior national team the Black Queens and serve as platforms for talent grooming and exposure.
So who are the new coaches appointed to oversee the affairs of these national teams? To help the public know their national team coaches, we provide a brief profile of each of the five new coaches and which teams they are leading.
U-23: Mercy Tagoe and Priscilla Dixcon
Mercy Tagoe needs no introduction. She is one of only few professionals footballers to have played to the highest level, become a FIFA referee and then a coach that has also reached the highest level. Mercy Tagoe is a former national star having played for the Black Queens during her playing days.
She played for the Black Queens at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in the United States before retiring from football to go into full time refereeing. In another glorious career with the whistle, Mercy Tagoe officiated at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2007, becoming the first Ghanaian female referee to do so.
After retiring from officiating in 2012, she took up the challenge in the dugout and has had stints with Halifax Ladies and Amidaus Professionals, the first woman to handle a men’s professional club in Ghana. She also led the Black Queens to win the maiden edition of the WAFU Women’s Cup in Ivory Coast in 2018. Her success earned a permanent role with the team until January 2023 when she was replaced.
Mercy Tagoe will be assisted by Priscilla Dixcon.
U-21: Dora Zuta and Florence Amuzu
Meanwhile, Dora Zuta has been appointed the national U-21 female coach as part of the GFA Women’s Football Strategy. Dora comes in as a CAF License B holder with a blend of on-pitch and off-field experience to guide groom young talent. She will be assisted by Florence Amuzu.
U-19: Anita Wiredu and Daniel Nii Adjei
Anita Wiredu of the Ghana Immigration Service has been appointed as head coach of the female U-19 team. A former Black Queens player, Anita Wiredu went into coaching after hanging up her boots. She has served in various positions including with the Black Princesses and Black Queens where she served as Welfare Officer.
Anita Wiredu- U-19 coach
In her playing days, her time was spent at Ghatel Ladies and Immigration Ladies between 2001 and 2010 and 2010 and 2018 respectively. Anita participated in the 2006 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where Ghana placed second. Also, she has served as the assistant coach of Immigration Ladies. Anita Wiredu will be assisted by former Kotoko and TP Mazembe midfielder Daniel Nii Adjei.
U-18: Charles Anokye-Frimpong and Gifty Ayew Asare
Another landmark appointment by the GFA is the installation of Charles Anokye Frimpong as the head coach of the female U-18 team. A former Black Queens assistant coach, Charles Frimpong is a CAF License A holder with a wealth of experience. He was part of the five coaches sponsored by the GFA to pursue a capacity building program in the Netherlands.
Charles Anokye-Frimpong, U-18 Coach
Assisting Charles Frimpong is Gifty Ayew Asare. She is a CAF License C holder and currently the assistant coach of Epiphany Ladies. Gifty Ayew is a former striker who played for Samaria Ladies FC (now Thunder FC), Blessed Ladies FC and Dayton Ladies FC. Her youth career began at Bafana Ladies (now Sealions FC) before she played for Northern Oklahoma- Tonkawa Mavericks in college football.
U-16: Bernice Adutwumwaa and Linda Prah
Also, Bernice Adutwumwaa has been appointed as the head coach of the U-16 female national team. Bernice is a CAF License B holder who doubles as a CAF License C and D instructor. She is the head coach of Women’s Premier League club, Prisons Ladies FC. Assisting Bernice in the U-16 team is Linda Prah.
