King Faisal Football Club has appointed Niharika Handa as its new Board Chair, making her the first woman to lead the club’s Board in its more than four-decade history.
The landmark appointment, announced on August 15, 2026, is expected to usher in a new chapter for the Kumasi-based club, with a renewed focus on inclusive leadership, organisational development and the long-term growth of Ghanaian football.
Ms. Handa brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, international business, sports administration and finance. She is the founder of Gold Crest Refinery and Rika Holdings and has built her career around organisational growth, strategic development and sustainable business structures.
Founder and President of King Faisal, Alhaji Karim Grunsah, expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Board, citing her leadership qualities, management experience and commitment to sports development.
He said her appointment would create new opportunities for the club and its players while opening a new chapter in King Faisal’s history.
Speaking after her appointment, Ms. Handa described the opportunity as a great honour and said she was determined to help transform the club into a stronger platform for developing football talent.
She said football was more than a game, stressing its ability to unite communities, inspire young people and create opportunities for talented players.
Ms. Handa said her leadership would place greater emphasis on player development, nutrition, modern training equipment and technology, improved playing and training facilities, as well as the overall wellbeing of players.
According to her, strengthening the players would ultimately strengthen the entire club.
“I want to see King Faisal players recognised not only in Ghana, but on the global stage,” she said, adding that achieving that ambition would require investment in their development, wellbeing and future.
She also stressed that her appointment was not solely about her, but about working with the Board, Management, coaches, players and supporters to build a club that inspires pride and provides a pathway for players to reach the international stage.
Ms. Handa further expressed hope that her appointment would encourage more women to take up leadership positions in football and contribute to the development of the sport.
As Board Chair, she will provide strategic oversight of King Faisal’s governance, long-term development, commercial growth and organisational structure, while working with Management and the technical team to strengthen the club both on and off the pitch.
Three headline options
Niharika Handa Makes History at King Faisal
King Faisal Appoints First Female Board Chair
Niharika Handa Breaks New Ground atKing Faisal
