Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sá says joining Carlos Queiroz’s technical team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was an easy decision.

Speaking on Beyond The Whistle, the South African coach said Queiroz’s call-up did not come as a surprise because of their long-standing relationship and shared ambitions in football.

“The call from Carlos did not surprise me. We have similar dreams and I always want to see him succeed,” De Sá said.

According to him, the opportunity to work with Ghana at the World Cup made the decision straightforward.

“Being called to assist Carlos was not difficult. This is Ghana and it’s the World Cup we are talking about,” he stated.

De Sá also recalled the moment he received the call from Queiroz.

“It was an exciting 3 AM call. I told my wife first and, as custom, she said, ‘We are leaving.’ I replied, ‘Let’s go!’”

He praised Queiroz’s approach to management, describing him as a coach who values input from his staff.

“Carlos listens. He doesn’t have to take every opinion, but he welcomes different views,” he said.

Reflecting on his return to the continent, De Sá described the experience as emotional and fulfilling.

“It’s great to be back. Africa is not a place, it’s a feeling.”

The former South Africa national football team assistant coach also spoke highly of Ghana’s football talent despite infrastructural challenges.

“There is so much natural talent in Ghana despite limited resources. As an African football lover, the talent here is unbelievable. You guys don’t know what you have with limited facilities and infrastructure,” he said.

Comparing Ghana and South Africa, he noted differences in how football talent is developed.

“We in South Africa have talent too, but a different kind with all the facilities. Yet we don’t go forward with our talent.”

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, De Sá said the Black Stars already have the quality needed to compete and only require the right mindset and structure.

“We are not going to teach them how to play. We have the players. We only have to put them in the right position, with the right frame of mind, and when they put on the jersey, they should perform.”

He assured Ghanaians that the technical team is committed to achieving success with the national team.

“We are here to do our best and make Ghanaians happy. If Carlos does his job, there is none better than him,” he said.

“We will pick our targets as they come. If our players play to their abilities, we have a realistic chance to progress.”