Former Leone Stars captain Kei Kamara has publicly called on the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to appoint a foreign head coach, arguing that the national team’s current roster requires a level of international coaching experience that cannot currently be sourced locally.

Kamara’s appeal comes just days after the SLFA announced the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of the Leone Stars.

In a video posted to social media, Kamara admitted that he had previously championed the idea of local leadership. However, he explained that the evolution of the squad—which now features a complex blend of domestic and foreign-based players—prompted him to change his stance.

“No Sierra Leonean that I know in the world is qualified to coach the caliber of players in Leone Stars National Team at the moment,” Kamara stated in the video. “I’m not talking about coaching license. There is a certain caliber of coach we need to make us qualify for competitions. SLFA, you have a job in your hands. Good luck in finding the foreign coach for Leone Stars.”

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While advocating for an international hire to bring broader tactical exposure, Kamara emphasized the importance of retaining local expertise within the setup. He suggested a hybrid approach in which a foreign head coach is supported by local technical staff, allowing for essential knowledge transfer while maintaining a connection to Sierra Leonean football culture.

The SLFA is now actively seeking a replacement following the controversial sacking of Mohamed Kallon on April 2, 2026.

Kallon’s tenure ended just over a year after his appointment. While the SLFA cited an “assessment of the technical, administrative, and strategic imperatives” for the dismissal, reports indicate the decision was driven by behind-the-scenes friction rather than the team’s on-pitch performance.

Key issues leading to Kallon’s departure reportedly included a standoff over his salary—with Kallon requesting $20,000 per month compared to the government’s maximum offer of $15,000—as well as tensions over the verification of his UEFA Pro License and his alleged refusal to fulfill media obligations during the recent FIFA Series in Azerbaijan.

Following his dismissal, Kallon promised to publicly share his side of the story soon.