Nations FC head coach Kassim Mingle-Ocansey has asserted that he is preparing for life without key defender and captain, Razak Simpson.

Simpson’s stupendous form in the Ghana Premier League club earned him a national team call up, making his debut in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Angola at the November 11 Stadium in December 2024, a game that ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

There are reports linking the tough centre-back away from the Abrankese outfit and Nations FC head coach KassimMingle admits that he could miss the former WAFA player, causing him to begin his preparations with his team for life without the potent defender.

“I started building the defensive set up without him, when he is available he plays at time when he is available I don’t allow him to play,” Kassim Mingle told Radio Gold.

“So I let some of them play for some time so that the cohesion is there between those who are playing so when he left [for national assignment] we did not feel his absence.” Kassim Mingle added.

“Normally when you see such a thing you have to know that such a thing will happen so you have to prepare yourself for it.

“We know there are some deals in the pipeline for him already so that’s why I said we are building a team minus him at the moment and we have done that and definitely we will beef up the squad.

The 26 year old former Liberty Professionals defender scored his debut senior goal at the 2025 Unity Cup where Ghana defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 4-0 at the GTech Stadium in May. He played in all two games for the Black Stars – the 2-1 opening loss to West African rivals, Nigeria before the third place playoff against Caribbean side, Trinidad and Tobago.