The Black Stars’ leadership, Jordan Ayew is set to be named the substantive captain of Ghana’s national football team, according to reports from Joy Sports. The Leicester City forward will officially assume the role starting from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a new chapter for the team.
The decision comes as Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who served as first deputy captain under former skipper André Ayew, has reportedly declined to continue in the role after being bypassed for the captaincy. Partey’s decision ends his six-year tenure as a key figure in the team’s leadership structure.
With Partey stepping aside, Alexander Djiku has been appointed as the new first deputy captain, according to Joy Sports. This change reflects the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) new approach to selecting captains, which prioritizes longevity and experience within the team.
Jordan Ayew’s elevation to the captaincy follows his temporary leadership during the final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he stepped up in the absence of both Partey and his brother, André Ayew. Initially overlooked in favor of Mohammed Kudus, Jordan’s leadership during those crucial matches appears to have solidified his position as the team’s new skipper.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo explained the decision, stating, “I have decided to appoint a new captain, which will be Jordan. I spoke to Kudus to help him understand that I want him to grow into this role and serve as the second captain alongside Djiku. Jordan will take over from now, and he will lead and guide the team.”
The leadership overhaul, set to take effect in March 2025, signals a fresh direction for the Black Stars as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The GFA’s emphasis on longevity as a criterion for captaincy underscores its commitment to stability and experience in guiding the team forward.
Jordan Ayew’s appointment as captain is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Black Stars, with his leadership qualities and experience on the international stage seen as vital assets. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey’s decision to step down from the assistant role marks the end of an era, as the team transitions to a new leadership structure under Ayew’s guidance.
Source:NKONKONSA.com