Ashanti Gold manager wants to coach the Black Stars

Ashanti Gold coach Bashiru Hayford says he will apply to manage Ghana team when the position becomes vacant, as Avram Grant’s contract is only four months away from expiration.

Hayford, 52, guided the Miners to win their first league trophy in two decades during the 2014-15 season, but failed to defend the title last season, battling relegation throughout the campaign, eventually finishing 11th on the log.

“I have been unsuccessful in the past whenever the opportunity comes up,” Hayford told Citi FM. “A window has not presented itself since then but if the chance comes up again [to coach Ghana] I will apply.

“I am a Ghanaian and if coaches are being sought after and I feel I have the requisite knowledge, why won't I put my name forward? If I am a carpenter and carpenters are needed for a job I will apply for that job,” he added.

Hayford was overlooked by AFC Leopards on Wednesday after he applied for their vacant coaching role.

The Kenyan giants named Englishman Stewart Hall as new manager, to replace Ivan Minnaert until 2018.