Former Leone Stars Player Musa Kallon Calls for Health and Nutrition Assessments Before National Duty
Former Leone Stars player and coach Musa Kallon has called for stronger health and nutritional assessments of players selected for national duty, saying player welfare should form part of Sierra Leone’s preparation for international matches.
Kallon’s comments follow Leone Stars’ opening two defeats in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which have left Sierra Leone without a point in Group E.
Sierra Leone surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Zimbabwe on September 24 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea on September 28.
Kallon said players reporting for international duty should undergo proper medical and nutritional assessments before representing the country.
He stressed that national-team preparation should extend beyond player availability and selection to include systems that support players’ physical condition and welfare during international assignments.
Leone Stars players arrive from different clubs and leagues, making their physical preparation and management more challenging during short international windows. Kallon said health assessments and adequate nutrition should therefore be incorporated into the team’s preparation process.
The former player and coach also highlighted the need for a wider support structure around the national team, including medical personnel, nutrition, training facilities, logistics and player welfare, alongside the work of the coaching staff.
Sierra Leone currently sits at the bottom of Group E with no points after two matches. DR Congo has won both of its opening fixtures, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have three points each.
The qualifying campaign will continue in November, giving Leone Stars another international window to prepare for the remaining fixtures.
Kallon’s comments place emphasis on the broader aspects of national-team preparation, suggesting that player welfare, medical support and nutrition should be considered alongside tactical preparation and player selection.
With players joining the national team from different football environments, the focus is also on ensuring they are adequately prepared and supported during international assignments.