By Desmond Tunde Coker
Freetown, Sierra Leone – On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, visited the Leone Stars training session at the SLFA Academy, offering congratulations and motivation to the players and newly appointed head coach, Mohamed Kallon.
Her visit comes at a critical time as the team aims to regroup and focus on their future international qualifications, particularly for the 2026 World Cup, after missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In her address, Minister James-Teima began by commending Coach Kallon and the team for their dedication. “Let me start by congratulating Mohamed Kallon and the team. This is not a surprise because we know you are fit for the job. You’ve been in it before,” she stated.
She acknowledged Kallon’s vast experience as both a player and a coach. “This is an Achillean task because you are taking something that you did not start, but with your special skills and the support of your backroom staff, you will be able to correct whatever mistakes that have been made.”
Madam Augusta James-Teima went on to express the country’s high expectations for the team, believing that Kallon and his staff would not disappoint. “We have high expectations, and I believe you will not disappoint us,” she said, further thanking the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) for their continued support.
The Minister of Sports also made it clear that the government would offer full backing to the Leone Stars as they push for World Cup qualification. “We will give you all the support to make sure we succeed. I feel very happy about this because we have the right people in the right place. We will work with the NSA and SLFA hand in hand to make it work better for football.”
Addressing the players directly, the Minister urged them to stay focused and disciplined, highlighting the importance of teamwork and personal conduct. “You also have to be disciplined because that is the hallmark of success in this game. Do your best to make it work because you are the few chosen among the eight million people in Sierra Leone to make good use of this opportunity,” she stated. “It is a big assignment for you, so don’t let us down. Let us work hand in glove to reach our aim.”
In response, Coach Mohamed Kallon expressed gratitude for the visit and the encouraging words from the Minister. “We are happy for the visit,” Kallon said. “I don’t want to say the national team is broken, but we are under construction. We are trying to build a formidable team that can compete comfortably with other African giants.”
Kallon emphasized the ongoing efforts to improve the team, stating that there is hope for the future. “We are at work now and we are happy for the motivational speech. We are here to deliver, and I believe in the boys. We have potential and there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are thankful that you are ready to support us.”
The visit and the speeches from both the Minister and Coach Kallon underline the commitment to rebuilding the national football team. The team will continue its training and friendly matches, as the senior national team lost to the U20 national team, who are preparing for the U20 AFCON.