All you need to know about new Black Stars boy Kingsley Schindler

German-based footballer Kingsley Schindler has made headlines after being called up to the Black Stars for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola.

The FC Koln player was invited to replace injured Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey, as confirmed in a statement by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Schindler’s call-up has raised eyebrows as he is not a familiar name among Ghanaian players born abroad who are being closely monitored by the GFA.

However, the defender is already in Ghana and arrived on Monday along with 16 other players who made early arrivals for the Angola tie.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Schindler holds German citizenship and started his youth career at SC Concordia before joining Hannover 96 youth team in 2011.

He later joined FC Koln in 2019 and had a difficult first two years at the club, which involved a loan move, before eventually securing a place in the team.

Schindler played 26 matches in all competitions this season, amounting to 1,117 minutes, and scored one goal.

His goal sealed the Europa Conference League group-stage qualification for FC Koln, although the team could not make it out of their group.

The fourth Ghanaian born in Germany to switch nationality to Ghana in one year, Schindler is a full-back/winger who started his career as a winger before evolving into a fullback.

During his time at Holstein Kiel in Bundesliga 2, he scored 12 goals. At Koln, he often plays as a full-back and occasionally as a winger. His versatility allows him to play in the central area as well.

As Schindler joins the Black Stars for the upcoming qualifier against Angola, fans and supporters will be watching closely to see how he performs on the international stage.

With his skillset and experience playing in the German top-flight league, Schindler could prove to be a valuable addition to the Ghanaian squad as they push for a place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.