Post a comment
Leone Stars Head Coach, Amidu Karim, has disclosed that the Sierra Leone Male Senior National Team faces no challenges with payment under the leadership of the National Sports Authority (NSA).
Coach Karim made this statement during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing in Parliament on Wednesday, where discussions centered around the team’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
Karim commended Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the NSA Executive Director, for ensuring timely salary payments to technical staff, a significant improvement from previous years.
“Under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, we have been receiving our monthly salaries on time,” Karim said. “Prior to his appointment, we received our salaries every six months, and this was never motivating to us as technical people.”
The coach’s remarks shed light on an issue that has historically plagued sports administration in Sierra Leone. The previous irregular payment schedule demotivated technical teams and players alike, contributing to subpar performances.
The Public Accounts Committee summoned the coach and other football administrators to address concerns over the Leone Stars’ recent struggles, including their inability to secure a spot in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
Despite their failure to qualify, Karim emphasized that financial stability within the technical team has been critical in fostering discipline and commitment. He also encouraged continued support from the government and NSA to further enhance the team’s performance in the future.
Sierra Leone’s football community remains hopeful that the NSA’s improved financial management will lead to better results on the pitch. For now, Coach Karim and his staff aim to regroup and focus on the next set of challenges for the Leone Stars.
