Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has revealed that Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku was left disappointed by his decision to step down as head coach of the Black Starlets, despite ultimately respecting his choice.

Kingston, a former Black Stars winger, was appointed in April 2024 to lead Ghana’s Under-17 side into the Wafu Zone B U-17 Championship. Playing on home soil, expectations were high, but the campaign ended at the semi-final stage after a 2-1 defeat to Burkina Faso, denying the hosts a place in the final.

In a move that caught many by surprise, Kingston announced his resignation during his post-match press conference, a decision that reportedly shocked and disappointed officials at the Ghana Football Association.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Kingston said GFA president Kurt Okraku had hoped he would continue in the role, but accepted his decision.

“Kurt Okraku was disappointed with my decision to leave my role as Black Starlets head coach. It was not about him, but my decision,” Kingston explained. “I had made up my mind to quit even before our final game.”

The former Hearts of Oak winger said he later requested a meeting with the GFA president to personally explain the reasons behind his resignation.

“I asked to meet him, and he gave me the chance. I explained why I resigned. Even though he welcomed my decision, he was disappointed,” Kingston added.

Since stepping down, Kingston has continued his coaching career abroad. He has worked in the United States and is currently head coach of Uganda’s youth national teams, where he is involved in developing young talents and helping shape the country’s long-term football philosophy.

While his departure from the Black Starlets was abrupt, Kingston’s comments suggest it was a carefully considered decision, taken with honesty and transparency, even if it came as a disappointment to Ghana’s football leadership.