Accra Hearts of Oak have announced the return of Ghana goalkeeping legend Richard “Olele” Kingson as the club’s new goalkeepers’ coach ahead of the 2026/27 football season.
The appointment sees the former Black Stars goalkeeper rejoin the Phobians’ technical team as the club continues to strengthen its backroom staff under newly appointed head coach Nebojsa Kapor.
Confirming the appointment, Hearts of Oak welcomed the club icon back with a heartfelt message on its official platforms, saying: “A legend returns. From guarding the post to grooming the next generation. Welcome home, Richard Kingson, our new Goalkeepers’ Coach.”
Kingson previously served in an interim coaching capacity at Hearts in 2021 before returning to the Black Stars setup, making this his second spell with the Accra-based club.
Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest goalkeepers, the former international enjoyed an illustrious career that spanned more than 20 years. He made 93 appearances for the Black Stars and represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, while also featuring in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
His club career took him across Europe, where he played for Swedish outfit Hammarby, English clubs Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Blackpool, as well as several teams in Turkey, where he spent over a decade establishing himself as one of the league’s respected goalkeepers.
Since retiring from active football, Kingson has built an impressive coaching career. He was appointed Ghana’s national team goalkeepers’ coach in 2017 before returning to the role in 2021, working with both the Black Stars and the Black Stars B.
During his time with the national teams, he contributed to the development of several goalkeepers, including members of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He remained part of the Black Stars’ technical team until 2024.
The former goalkeeper also gained valuable experience in the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics, where his work with the club’s goalkeepers drew praise before his initial stint with Hearts of Oak.
Kingson’s return is expected to add significant experience to Hearts’ technical department as the club looks to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic honours and securing a return to continental football.
