Basake Holy Stars have appointed Abdulai Gazale as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, with the tactician returning to the club after his spell with Hearts of Oak.

Gazale returns to the Basake-based outfit following a season away from the club, having previously occupied the technical helm during their historic debut campaign in the Ghana Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

The experienced coach played a pivotal role in steering Holy Stars through their maiden expedition in Ghana’s top flight before departing the club and subsequently joining Accra giants Hearts of Oak as an assistant coach.

His stint with the Phobians afforded him further exposure to the tactical and managerial demands of elite Ghanaian football, experience he will now bring to bear upon his return to familiar territory.

Gazale succeeds Johnson Smith, who has left Basake Holy Stars to return to Nations FC, bringing an end to his tenure with the Western Region club.

Smith’s departure has paved the way for Gazale to reclaim the technical reins and spearhead Holy Stars’ preparations for what promises to be another fiercely contested Premier League campaign.

The return of Gazale is expected to provide a measure of continuity, given his previous knowledge of the club, its footballing philosophy and the demands associated with competing at the highest level of domestic football.

The tactician will be expected to harness his tactical acumen and managerial experience to galvanise the squad and fashion a side capable of navigating the rigours of the 2026/27 campaign.

The appointment of the former Asante Kotoko assistant coach comes at a crucial juncture as the club seeks to consolidate its position in the Ghanaian top flight and build upon the foundations established since their promotion.

Gazale’s familiarity with the club could prove invaluable as he begins the process of shaping his squad and implementing his tactical blueprint ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, his return is likely to generate considerable anticipation among the Holy Stars faithful, who will be hoping the coach can rekindle the competitive spirit that characterised his first spell at the club.

Gazale now faces the task of preparing Basake Holy Stars for another demanding Premier League season, with expectations high that his return can usher in a period of stability, progression and sustained competitiveness.

His appointment also adds another intriguing subplot to the 2026/27 campaign, as Gazale prepares to lead Holy Stars once again while his predecessor, Johnson Smith, begins a fresh assignment with Nations FC.