Football fans across Sierra Leone have continued to demand transparency and accountability from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) as the process to appoint a new Leone Stars head coach gathers momentum.
The calls intensified after the SLFA disclosed that it had received 79 applications for the vacant position by May 2, 2026. Out of the total applications, 76 came from foreign coaches, while only three were submitted by local candidates.
One of the most talked-about applicants is former Leone Stars coach Mohamed Kallon, who officially reapplied for the role weeks after his dismissal on April 3.
Kallon confirmed the submission of his application in a Facebook post, stating that the SLFA had received his documents through both the office of the General Secretary and the Association’s official email address.
“The Sierra Leone Football Association received my application through the General Secretary and official email, for the senior men’s team head coach position,” he stated.
His announcement immediately triggered widespread reactions among football supporters, with many openly backing his return to the national team.
Several fans took to social media platforms to insist that the recruitment exercise must be conducted in a transparent and credible manner.
Some supporters even proposed that the interview process should be streamed live to allow the public monitor proceedings directly.
“The recruitment process should be live-streamed for the public to witness. Sierra Leoneans deserve to see and follow the process themselves,” one supporter wrote online.
Others argued that the SLFA should avoid unnecessary secrecy and instead allow public opinion to play a role in the final decision-making process.
A significant number of football fans believe Mohamed Kallon remains the strongest candidate for the position, praising his commitment to Sierra Leone football and his passion for national service.
Supporters also described his decision to reapply despite his earlier dismissal as proof of his dedication to the country.
In a separate message to supporters, Kallon appealed for prayers and reiterated his commitment to always place “Mama Salone first.”
Meanwhile, SLFA Secretary General Mohamed Benson Bawoh has defended Kallon’s right to contest for the position again.
Speaking during Truth Media’s Morning Devotion programme, Bawoh said the former coach would be assessed alongside every other applicant.
“Why not? He will be assessed, and if the panel chooses him, it is their decision,” he said.
Bawoh further explained that the Association remains open to evaluating both local and international candidates as part of efforts to secure the best option for the Leone Stars job.
As discussions around the recruitment continue, many football supporters say the credibility of the selection process will play a major role in determining public trust in the country’s football administration.
For many Sierra Leoneans, the appointment of the next Leone Stars coach goes beyond football results and has become a wider conversation about fairness, transparency, and accountability within the SLFA.