By Nadia Ntiamoah
The Black Queens head coach, Kim Lars Björkegren, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Women’s Coach of the Year award at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, in recognition of his remarkable impact on the national women’s team within a short period.
The Swedish tactician, who took charge of the Black Queens earlier this year, has been credited with reviving Ghana’s women’s football fortunes after a period of underperformance and transition.
Björkegren led the Black Queens to an impressive bronze medal finish at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco — the team’s best performance in over a decade.
A Revival Under a New Era
Before Björkegren’s appointment, the Black Queens had endured several years of inconsistency on the continental stage.
The team failed to qualify for the 2022 WAFCON and missed out on the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading to a period of reflection within the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
His predecessor, Swiss coach Nora Hauptle, laid some groundwork before her departure at the end of her contract, but it was Björkegren who stabilized the squad and instilled a sense of tactical discipline and renewed confidence.
Under the Swede’s guidance, the Black Queens showcased a more organized, possession-based style at the 2024 tournament.
Ghana edged past Nigeria in a dramatic third-place playoff to secure bronze — a victory that rekindled national pride and restored the team’s continental reputation.
CAF Recognition and Continental Impact
Björkegren’s nomination places him among the top ten coaches in African women’s football, as announced by CAF ahead of this year’s awards ceremony.
Other contenders include Côte d’Ivoire’s Adelaide Koudougnon, Morocco’s Jorge Vilda, South Africa’s Desiree Ellis, and TP Mazembe’s Lamia Boumehdi — all respected figures in the women’s game.
The nomination highlights CAF’s acknowledgment of Björkegren’s immediate impact in transforming the Black Queens into a competitive force.
His achievement is particularly significant considering Ghana’s rebuilding phase and the limited preparation time he had before WAFCON 2024.
Focus Shifts to 2026 WAFCON Qualification
Despite the personal recognition, Björkegren’s focus remains firmly on the future.
The women’s team is currently preparing for their final qualification round against Egypt for the 2026 WAFCON.
Victory in that tie would guarantee the Black Queens another shot at continental glory — and potentially cement Björkegren’s growing legacy in African football.
“This nomination is an honor for Ghana, not just for me,” Björkegren said in a recent interaction with local media. “It shows that the work we are doing is being recognized. But our focus is on qualifying for the next WAFCON. We want to continue building a team that can compete with the best in Africa.”
A Symbol of Progress for Ghanaian Women’s Football
The nomination marks a high point in the renewed commitment to women’s football, which has seen the GFA invest in development programs and improved technical structures.
For many, Björkegren’s leadership represents a new chapter — one defined by modern tactics, professionalism, and belief.
If he wins the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award, Kim Lars Björkegren would become the first Black Queens coach to earn the honor, underscoring both his personal achievement and the return to prominence in women’s football.
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony is expected to be held later this year, with Africa’s top football talents and coaches gathered to celebrate excellence across the continent.
