{
  "id": 12183478,
  "title": "Laryea Kingston sets Black Stars selection criteria if appointed coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/laryea-kingston-sets-black-stars-selection-criteria-if-appointed-coach",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T16:14:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "3News",
    "slug": "3news",
    "url": "https://3news.com/sports/laryea-kingston-sets-black-stars-selection-criteria-if-appointed-coach"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Ghanaian footballer Laryea Kingston has shared his opinions on the selection criteria for the Black Stars. Speaking to 3Sports, the ex-international midfielder emphasized that a player's competitive level and regular playing time should be primary factors when considering them for the national team. Kingston firmly believes that players must be competing in top-tier leagues and consistently earning playing time at their clubs before being eligible for selection. \"First of all, which level are you playing in? Your team and the level of league that you are playing, competition that you are playing in,\" he stated.\n\nAccording to Kingston, the Black Stars should primarily strive to select players from the top 10 football countries and leagues in the world. However, he also acknowledges that players from outside these leagues must demonstrate exceptional talent to justify their selection. \"It's very important. First, a senior national team player should be playing, at least our target should be like top 10 football countries, top 10 leagues,\" he explained. \"Unless if you are outside top 10 leagues, you must be extraordinary.\"\n\nKingston further elaborated on the importance of regular playing time, arguing that simply being named in a club's matchday squad is not sufficient. He wants to ensure that players are not only getting minutes but also starting regularly. \"So we focus on that. Then two, are the players regular, playing actively, not making the squad, but getting minutes? One, starting, getting minutes, we can work out and you look at the form of the players,\" he added.\n\nThese thoughts come at a time when Ghana is on the lookout for a new head coach following Carlos Queiroz's departure. Kingston has been actively working on his coaching credentials since retiring from playing and has made it clear that he aspires to lead the Black Stars. He believes that a well-defined and consistent approach to player selection would be crucial if given the opportunity to manage the national team. At present, his attention is focused on enhancing his coaching profile while advocating for the vacant Black Stars position. For Kingston, the selection of players should prioritize quality, competitive level, and consistent playing time.",
  "summary": "Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston says the level of competition and regular playing time should be key factors in selecting players for the Black Stars.",
  "key_points": [
    "Laryea Kingston outlines selection criteria for Black Stars.",
    "Players must be in top 10 leagues with regular playing time.",
    "Kingston aims to lead Black Stars after Carlos Queiroz's departure."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}