Over 10-Year Experience: Profile of Black Stars interim head coach Kim Lars Björkegren

Swedish tactician Kim Lars Björkegren has been appointed interim head coach of the Black Stars as the search for a permanent manager continues.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is reported to have tasked Björkegren with leading Ghana in their crucial November double-header against Somalia, with Black Stars assistant coach Godwin Attram and Ibrahim Tanko expected to assist him.

A committee comprising government and GFA representatives, led by former GFA Vice-President Fred Pappoe, is said to have made the interim appointment while continuing the search for a permanent successor.

Spend Time in Ghana, Scout Locally: Kofi Adams outlines criteria for next Black Stars coach

The move comes at a critical moment for Ghana, which suffered consecutive defeats against The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Black Stars will be hoping to get their qualification campaign back on track in the November fixtures.

As attention turns to the Swedish tactician, here is a look at his managerial career and achievements.

Early Coaching Career

Björkegren began his coaching career in his hometown of Linköping, Sweden, where he managed Karle IF’s men’s team in the country’s fourth tier.

He later coached men’s teams, including Kisa BK and IK Gauthiod, before moving into women’s football in 2016 when he took charge of Hovås/Billdal.

His time at IK Gauthiod was particularly successful, as he guided the team to a fifth-place finish in Sweden’s Division 2. The side also secured qualification for the Svenska Cupen after defeating IFK Tidaholm 3–1 in the district championship final.

Following that spell, Björkegren sought an opportunity to manage at a higher level, setting the stage for his rise in women’s football.

Linköping FC and Domestic Success

In 2017, Björkegren replaced Martin Sjögren as head coach of Linköpings FC, the reigning champions of Sweden’s Damallsvenskan.

Despite losing key players Pernille Harder, Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius before the start of the season, as well as selling captain Magdalena Eriksson to Chelsea midway through the campaign, Björkegren guided the team to the league title with two rounds remaining.

He also led Linköpings FC to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, marking one of the club’s strongest performances in the competition.

Move to China

In January 2018, Björkegren was appointed manager of Beijing BG Phoenix in the Chinese Women's Super League, becoming the first Swedish coach in the league, according to reports.

He brought in recently retired Swedish footballer Elena Sadiku as his assistant and fitness coach. He also recruited Spanish star Vero Boquete and Swedish striker Marija Banušić as he sought to strengthen the team.

Success with Apollon Ladies FC

In June 2020, Cypriot women's football club Apollon Ladies FC appointed Björkegren as head coach for the 2020–21 season.

The club aimed to defend its domestic title and make further progress in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Björkegren delivered an impressive domestic campaign, guiding Apollon Ladies FC to the league title with a perfect record of 64 points from 64 available and a goal difference of +105.

The achievement made him the first Swedish manager to win league titles in two different countries. Following the successful campaign, he was named Coach of the Year by the Pan-Cyprian Footballers Association (PASP).

Racing Louisville FC Appointment

On December 9, 2021, Björkegren was announced as the new head coach of Racing Louisville FC in the United States.

The club had completed its inaugural season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) just weeks earlier, and the Swedish coach was tasked with guiding its development in the highly competitive American league.

Appointment as Ghana Women’s National Team Coach

On January 16, 2025, Björkegren was appointed head coach of Ghana’s women’s national team, the Black Queens.

Under his leadership, the team secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). His work also earned him a nomination for the 2025 CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award.

His experience with the Black Queens, combined with his previous coaching achievements in Europe, Asia and the United States, is expected to be a key consideration as he takes on the reported interim role with the Black Stars.

SB/JKB

No Ghanaian should die due to lack of cath lab facilities – Mark Kurt Nawaane