Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren has been shortlisted for the prestigious Women’s Coach of the Year award at the 2025 CAF Awards, following an impressive debut year in charge of Ghana’s national women’s team.
The Swedish tactician guided the Black Queens to a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Ghana’s best finish at the tournament in over a decade. His leadership, tactical discipline and squad rejuvenation have earned widespread praise on the continent.
CAF announced a 10-name shortlist for the award, with Björkegren competing against top coaches including Côte d’Ivoire’s Adelaide Koudougnon, ASEC Mimosas’ Siaka Gigi Traoré, TP Mazembe’s Lamia Boumehdi, and Morocco’s Jorge Vilda. Also on the list are Bankole Olowookere, Desiree Ellis, Justin Madugu, Genoveva Anonman and Carol Kanyemba.
Björkegren took over from Swiss coach Nora Hauptle earlier this year after her contract ended, quickly settling into his role and restoring confidence within the squad. Under his guidance, Ghana have shown renewed spirit and competitiveness on the continental stage.
While the awards ceremony looms, Björkegren’s immediate focus remains on securing Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 WAFCON. The Black Queens face Egypt in the final round of qualifiers, a crucial test as the team looks to build on recent progress.
If he wins, Björkegren would become the first Ghana women’s national team coach to claim the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year honour, marking another milestone in the Black Queens’ resurgence.
