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Former President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, popularly known as De Monk, has called for a transparent and merit-based process in the appointment of the next Leone Stars head coach.
In his position, he stated that the former national team captain Mohamed Kallon should not be handed the job based solely on emotion, popularity or past contributions to Sierra Leone football.
Nasralla made the statement in a lengthy public commentary following ongoing debates surrounding Kallon’s removal as Leone Stars head coach by the current leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association and the subsequent reopening of the recruitment process for the position.
According to Nasralla, public discussions over the coaching job have intensified in recent weeks through Facebook live videos, WhatsApp discussions and media commentaries, particularly after Mohamed Kallon addressed the issue publicly in a live Facebook conversation conducted in Krio.
Nasralla acknowledged Kallon’s enormous contribution to Sierra Leone football and national development, describing him as one of the country’s greatest sporting ambassadors whose legacy represents sacrifice, excellence, hope and national pride.
He noted that many Sierra Leoneans admire Kallon for his achievements on and off the football field, including his role in supporting players, investing in football through FC Kallon and contributing to media and youth development initiatives.
The former SLAJ President disclosed that between 2007 and 2010 he worked directly under Mohamed Kallon as manager of Kalleone Entertainment Newspaper, where he witnessed Kallon’s investments in media, sports and youth empowerment.
Nasralla stated that Kallon provided what he described as some of the most competitive salaries in the media industry at the time and invested heavily in projects aimed at promoting football, entertainment and Sierra Leonean talent.
Despite acknowledging Kallon’s generosity and patriotism, Nasralla argued that those contributions should not automatically qualify him for the Leone Stars coaching position.
“A national coaching job is not a ceremonial reward, nor is it a thank-you gift for past service,” Nasralla stated in his commentary.
He maintained that the role of national team coach requires tactical competence, team management, institutional discipline, communication skills, collaboration and results, adding that emotional attachment should not replace professionalism in football administration.
Nasralla said much of the public support for Kallon appeared to be rooted in appreciation for his past kindness and contributions rather than an objective assessment of the technical demands of the coaching position.
He further noted that while Kallon has obtained a coaching licence and has reapplied for the position after the reopening of applications, the recruitment process must remain competitive and transparent.
According to Nasralla, Kallon’s decision to reapply for the job demonstrates that the former football star himself understands that the appointment should go through a professional recruitment process rather than public pressure.
The former SLAJ President also referenced comments made by former Leone Stars captain Kei Kamara, who reportedly suggested that Sierra Leone currently requires a coach with specific qualifications and experience.
Nasralla defended Kamara’s right to express his opinion, stating that disagreement over football matters should not automatically be interpreted as hatred or sabotage.
He further observed that Sierra Leone football has long struggled with allegations of corruption, factionalism, political interference and emotional decision-making, which he said have negatively affected the development of the sport over the years.
Nasralla stressed that professional appointments involve considerations such as technical competence, philosophy, communication style, management ability and institutional compatibility.
“And so my position is simple,” he wrote. “Do not give Mohamed Kallon the Leone Stars job because he once made us proud. Do not give him the job because he supported players, financed football or invested in Sierra Leone. Do not give him the job because we the people love him and want him to have it.”
He however stated that if, after a fair and transparent recruitment process, Kallon emerges as the best candidate based on his credentials, leadership qualities and interview performance, then he should be appointed and fully supported.
Nasralla concluded by stating that merit and professionalism, rather than sentiment, should guide decisions relating to the Leone Stars coaching position, adding that this is how serious football nations make serious football decisions.
