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Sierra Leonean international footballer, Alhaji Kamara, has revealed details of what he described as behind-the-scenes challenges within the national team, raising concerns about possible external interference in player selection.
Speaking during a recent Facebook Live session, Kamara recounted an incident following Leone Stars’ clash against Algeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, and just ahead of their subsequent fixture against the Ivory Coast.
According to Kamara, he was approached by former team captain and head coach, John Keister, who asked whether he would be willing to start the upcoming match on the bench to allow striker Musa Noah Kamara, popularly known as Musa Tombo, an opportunity to play.
Kamara stated that the request appeared to go beyond normal tactical considerations. He alleged that Keister indicated he was acting under pressure “from above,” suggesting that factors outside the technical bench were influencing decisions regarding team selection.
The forward expressed surprise at the development, emphasising that he believes performance and merit should remain the primary criteria for determining the starting lineup.
Kamara said he shared the experience to draw attention to what he perceives as ongoing political interference within Sierra Leone football, particularly affecting the Leone Stars setup. He warned that such issues could undermine team morale, fairness, and overall performance.
The revelations have sparked fresh discussion about governance and transparency in the management of Sierra Leone’s national team.
