By Sam King
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) is set to appoint a foreign coach to lead the national men’s team, the Leone Stars, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The sources said Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the role, although the SLFA has yet to make an official announcement.
Saintfiet, 53, has extensive experience coaching across Africa, having managed national teams including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Mali and The Gambia national football team. He was named Coach of the Year by the Confederation of African Football in 2022.
During his most recent tenure with The Gambia, he guided the team to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, boosting his reputation for developing emerging football nations.
However, the potential appointment has sparked criticism among some fans and stakeholders, who argue that hiring a foreign coach may not be appropriate at a time when Sierra Leone is facing significant economic challenges.
The SLFA has not responded to requests for comment.
