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The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced that 79 candidates have applied for the position of Leone Stars head coach, with foreign applicants vastly outnumbering local contenders.
The application process closed on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with a total of 79 submissions received, comprising three local coaches and 76 foreign applicants, according to a statement signed by SLFA Communications Director Ibrahim Kamara.
The SLFA Technical Committee and Technical Department are currently reviewing all submissions, the association said. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the process, which includes interviews.
“The Association remains committed to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process,” the statement read.
The overwhelming majority of foreign applicants reflects the growing international interest in the position, as Sierra Leone seeks to rebuild its national team following recent performances on the continental stage. The Leone Stars have struggled to make a significant impact in recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaigns, and the new head coach will be expected to reverse the team’s fortunes.
The three local coaches in the running will face stiff competition from their international counterparts, though the SLFA has previously indicated that nationality would not be a determining factor in the selection process.
The recruitment drive comes as part of a broader effort by the SLFA to strengthen the technical bench of the national team, with an emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate a clear vision for player development, tactical organisation, and results-driven performance.
The association has not disclosed the identities of the applicants nor provided a timeline for when shortlisted candidates will be announced. Further details on the interview process are expected to be communicated in due course.
