A Midnight Call That Changed Everything: De Sa Opens Up on Joining Black Stars

Newly appointed Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa has shared details of the unexpected phone call that led to his return to international football, as he prepares to work alongside Carlos Queiroz ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

De Sa, confirmed in April as part of Ghana’s technical setup, revealed that the opportunity came during the early hours of the morning when Queiroz reached out directly.

“I got the news overnight. I received a message from Carlos Queiroz basically asking me if I was up for a big challenge again, and he asked me to call him as soon as I woke up,” he said.

The experienced tactician explained that the decision to accept the role came quickly once the nature of the opportunity became clear.

“He basically told me that the Ghana national team was looking for his services, and obviously, he would require me to go and assist him. It was not a very difficult decision to make and accept.”

The appointment reunites De Sa with Queiroz, with whom he has built a long-standing professional relationship across multiple national teams, including spells in South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran.

Reflecting further, De Sa disclosed that his immediate reaction after reading the message was to share the news with his family.

“Then, of course, having read the message very early hours of the morning, the first person I told was my wife, just to let her know that there would be a strong possibility that this would happen and that it was another World Cup and my seventh national team. I think she’s become pretty accustomed to this,” he added.

For De Sa, the chance to be part of another World Cup campaign remains a source of pride and motivation.

“It’s always a great honour to be part of a fantastic national team at the World Cup once again. It is a privilege, and I enjoy every day and make the most of it.”

His arrival forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Ghana’s technical bench, as the Black Stars intensify preparations for the global tournament.