Israeli Avram Grant has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Black Stars, bringing to an end the protracted search for former coach Kwesi Appiah’s replacement.

Grant and the FA have been in talks for the past two weeks, and all issues had been settled pending the approval of the Sports ministry.

That was taken care of in a meeting between the two parties earlier this week, clearing the way for the appointment of the 59 year old former Chelsea boss.

The GFA announced the official decision at a press conference earlier today, with the Israeli expected to commence his 3 year contract on December 1, with an initial target of winning the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The next tournament is in two months, but the FA boss told journalists that expecting the new coach to win it would be unrealistic.

Grant brings a powerful CV to the job that has not been seen in a Black Stars coach for a long time. He is a name known on the world stage, having coached Chelsea, Portsmouth, and West Ham all in the English league; as well as his native Israel and Partizan Belgrade.

He also possesses the pedigree which should inspire respect from the players, an attribute that has been largely missing in the team since Serbian Milovan Rajevac’s stint ended four years ago.

We wish him the best as he takes on this herculean task in the land of 25 million coaches.