The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced Swedish football coach Kim Lars Björkegren as the new Head Coach of the Black Queens, Ghana’s senior national female football team. Björkegren replaces Nora Hauptle, whose tenure ended in December 2024.

Björkegren, a UEFA License A Coach with 18 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Starting his career as a footballer, he played for Swedish clubs including Allsvenska Åtvidabergs FF. However, an injury at 22 cut his playing career short, prompting him to transition into coaching.

The Swedish tactician has achieved notable success in women’s football, winning the Cyprus Women’s League with Apollon Ladies and the Swedish Damallsvenskan with Linköpings FC. His achievements earned him the Coach of the Season award in Cyprus for the 2020-2021 season. Additionally, he holds the joint record with Sven-Göran Eriksson as the second Swedish coach to win domestic titles in two different countries.

Björkegren has an extensive coaching résumé that includes roles with the Finland Women’s National Team as a scout and analyst, coaching Beijing BG Phoenix in the Chinese Women’s Super League, and serving as Technical Director of Manila Digger FC in the Philippines. Most recently, he managed Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.

Known for his adaptable and attacking football philosophy, Björkegren emphasises discipline, teamwork, and flexibility. His approach aligns with Ghana’s football style, which prioritises purposeful and entertaining play.

The GFA expressed confidence in Björkegren’s ability to lead the Black Queens to greater heights, citing his experience in women’s football and his background in education and sports psychology as key assets.

New Technical Team for Black Queens

Alongside Björkegren, the GFA has unveiled a revamped technical team for the Black Queens. Charles Sampson and Anita Wiredu will serve as assistant coaches, while Nassamu Yakubu has been appointed as Goalkeepers Coach.

The team’s athletic conditioning will be overseen by Enoch Jordan Daitey, with Kate Boachie-Agyemang leading the medical team. She will be supported by Team Nurse Asinawu Abubakari and Physiotherapist Margaret Foli.

Drucilia Arthur has been named Welfare Manager, while Patience Nana A. Quarshie and Adwoa Bayor will handle equipment management. The team will also benefit from the expertise of experienced video analyst Ronnie Bergdahl.

The GFA expressed optimism about the newly assembled team’s potential to guide the Black Queens to success in upcoming international competitions.