By Lawrence Williams

French football coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has been officially appointed the new head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national football team, Leone Stars, succeeding Mohamed Kallon, whose contract was terminated in early April.

The 56-year-old brings a bit of international experience to the new job, having previously managed the national teams of Mauritania and Botswana, guiding them to qualification for the 2022 and 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), respectively. 

Speaking during his unveiling ceremony in Freetown, officials of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) expressed confidence in Gomes Da Rosa’s ability to build a competitive national team capable of challenging at both continental and global levels. The association said it believes the Frenchman can lead Leone Stars to “greater success” in the years ahead.

Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, executive director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), said strong collaboration between the NSA and the SLFA is required to create the enabling environment for football development across the country.

Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima assured the newly appointed coach of the government’s full support as Leone Stars prepare for upcoming international fixtures.

For Gomes Da Rosa, the appointment represents a new challenge and an opportunity to further advance his coaching career. He pledged to work closely with his technical staff and players to build a strong, disciplined, and competitive Leone Stars side that Sierra Leoneans can be proud of.

“I am ready to work with the technical team and players to build a strong, disciplined and competitive Leone Stars team that will make the nation proud,” he said.