SLFA to Advertise National Team Coaching Job, Mohamed Kallon Eligible to Apply

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) will publicly advertise the vacant national team head coach position next week, with former coach Mohamed Kallon eligible to apply, SLFA General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh has said.

Speaking on the Truth Morning Devolution programme, Bawoh stated that the SLFA will formally notify the Minister of Sport and the Executive Director of Sport ahead of the advertisement, expected to be issued by the end of next week.

He said the association will invite representatives from both the Ministry of Sport and the National Sports Authority to serve as observers during the interview process, as part of efforts to enhance transparency.

Bawoh explained that the SLFA is working with a clear timeline and aims to appoint a new head coach by the end of April. He said the recruitment process will be open and competitive, with candidates assessed by an interview panel before recommendations are submitted to the SLFA Executive Committee, which holds the final decision.

Responding to questions on whether former coach Mohamed Kallon could return, Bawoh confirmed that he is eligible to apply.

“The SLFA is open to all qualified applicants, both local and foreign. If he applies and performs well in the interview process, he can be recommended for consideration,” he said.

He added that the priority is to appoint a highly experienced coach capable of attracting diaspora players and strengthening the national squad.

Bawoh also highlighted ongoing logistical challenges affecting team preparations, particularly delays in flight bookings that sometimes result in players arriving shortly before matches.

He said a proposal has been made for player ticket funds to be managed directly by the SLFA to ensure timely travel arrangements.

He further cited improvements in recent operations, noting that tickets for the Azerbaijan fixture were secured two weeks in advance. He also referenced the SLFA’s payment of a CHF 7,500 fine related to administrative shortcomings during a match against Guinea-Bissau.

The SLFA says the inclusion of ministry and sports authority observers in the recruitment process is intended to strengthen collaboration and ensure transparency as the association moves to complete the appointment by the end of April.