How the World Cup inspired Anita Wiredu-Mintah to play for Ghana’s U20 team

Former Ghana striker Anita Wiredu-Mintah has opened up about the devastating injury that kept her out of the 2007 Women’s World Cup. The former Black Queens star hung up her boots in 2018 and is now seeking redemption in her role as coach of her country’s women’s youth team.

Wiredu-Mintah has graduated as a coach and is trying to chase his dreams from the bench. Ghana have successfully qualified for this year’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off next month in Colombia.

Although a mainstay for Ghana, a knee injury forced Wiredu-Mintah to watch the 2007 senior World Cup from home.

“It’s going to be huge for me and I’m a little nervous but I expect a lot from the players,” the 40-year-old coach said in an interview with the Ghana Football Association.

Breaking the barriers

Ghana’s technical team is made up entirely of men, with the exception of Wiredu-Mintah, who described it as “an honour and a privilege” to be the only woman.

“I also see it as a challenge to do my best and be a torchbearer for female coaches in Ghana and Africa, to let them know that we can do it too.”

Ghana will struggle to qualify for the Under-20 World Cup, where they will face Japan, New Zealand and Austria. However, they will have avoided defending champions Spain and perennial favourites the United States and Germany. Ghana’s rivals Nigeria are the most successful African nation at the tournament, finishing runners-up in 2010 and 2014. The Black Queens will surely be looking to achieve the same success in 2024.

Wiredu-Mintah is more than aware of the male dominance in her profession and she is determined to have an impact on the demographics of coaching in Africa.

“My message to the players is that it’s never over when you stop playing football. There are more opportunities in the game. Not just as a coach, but if they want to become a coach, they have to be tough and very focused because we are in a man’s world.”

MORE information on Her Football Hub: