Carlos Queiroz, newly appointed head coach of the Ghana Black Stars, paid a formal visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, where he met with the Minister, Hon. Kofi Adams, Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah, and Ghana Football Association officials.
The meeting marked one of Queiroz’s first official engagements since assuming the role, and set the tone for the relationship he intends to build with the country’s football administration.
Speaking at the ministry, Queiroz offered warm and heartfelt remarks, describing his appointment as a deeply personal achievement rooted in a lifelong connection to the African continent.
The veteran coach who has managed some of the world’s most prominent national sides expressed that words alone could not fully capture the pride he felt at being entrusted with the Black Stars.
I just want to say thank you. In some moments, it is a small world to express my feelings in my heart to be part of the Ghana family. It is an honour and privilege for me.
Queiroz drew attention to the roots that make this appointment particularly meaningful for him. Born and raised in Mozambique, the experienced coach carries an African heritage that, in his own words, deepens his sense of purpose in this role.
He made clear that steering an African country to the FIFA World Cup would stand as one of the defining achievements of his career.
Probably most of you know that I have a very strong African root,” he said. “I was born and raised in Mozambique, so to lead this country, an African country, Ghana to the World Cup will be a memory for life.”
Beyond football, Queiroz used the occasion to reflect on the broader importance of the ministry’s mandate.
Drawing on his academic background in sports science, the coach offered a candid assessment of what it means to work in sport at the national level, framing the ministry’s role not merely in administrative terms, but as guardians of public joy.
He told the officials that no other government ministry carries the same responsibility to generate happiness, entertainment, Joy, he noted, that cannot be measured but are felt deeply by every Ghanaian.
No other minister has this responsibility to create entertainment, to bring joy, happiness, and pride to your country. That is not something you can see, but something that people can feel.
The meeting signals a positive and collaborative start to what Ghana hopes will be a transformative chapter in the history of the Black Stars, one that culminates in qualification for and strong representation at the FIFA World Cup.
The Minister of Youth and Sports warmly welcomed the new Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, presenting him with a traditional fugu (smock) as a symbol of Ghanaian culture and hospitality.
The gesture highlighted the government’s support for the experienced coach as he begins his journey with the national team, while also reinforcing the strong cultural connection and goodwill surrounding his appointment.