“I Was Unfairly Dismissed as Leone Stars Head Coach” — Mohamed Kallon Breaks Silence
By Kelvin Jay
Sacked Leone Stars Head Coach, Mohamed Kallon, has finally spoken out, describing his dismissal as unfair and unjustified.
Kallon revealed that his appointment followed persistent appeals from former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Thomas Daddy Brima and officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA). He said he initially hesitated but eventually accepted the role after being assured of full control over his technical team.
According to Kallon, he was granted the autonomy to select his backroom staff, which he exercised by appointing individuals he trusted to work alongside him. However, he claimed that the situation changed following the emergence of Babadie Kamara as SLFA President.
He explained that although the new SLFA leadership initially reassured him of continued support and independence, those promises were later undermined by interference in team selection and staffing decisions.
“The same SLFA that promised me a free hand began dictating who should be included in my technical team,” Kallon stated.
He cited a specific instance where he was allegedly instructed to include a Guinean goalkeeper coach affiliated with Bo Rangers during preparations for an international fixture in Azerbaijan. Kallon noted that he resisted such directives, maintaining that selections should be based on technical merit.
Kallon further disclosed that he was at one point summoned by SLFA officials to verify his coaching credentials. During the process, he was asked to update his certification, which he completed through a refresher course. He confirmed that his coaching license is now valid until 2029.
Despite this, he said concerns were raised about staffing for upcoming FIFA engagements, with suggestions that other coaches—reportedly holding UEFA A and B licenses—should be prioritized for inclusion in official submissions. This, he said, created confusion and raised questions about consistency in decision-making within the football body.
He also touched on internal disputes between the SLFA and the NSA over contractual obligations, particularly regarding salary payments, which he said contributed to delays in formalizing his contract.
Kallon emphasized that throughout his tenure, he conducted himself professionally and adhered to regulations governing his role.
Meanwhile, former SLFA General Secretary Chris Kamara has weighed in on the matter, defending Kallon’s qualifications. He affirmed that Kallon holds a valid UEFA coaching license and challenged claims suggesting Sierra Leone risked sanctions for fielding an unqualified coach.
Kamara referenced past instances involving coaches such as John Keister, arguing that similar concerns over licensing had not previously led to disqualification.
He called on SLFA President Babadie Kamara to reconsider the decision, urging a more measured and statesmanlike approach.
“Leadership is about rising above personal differences. Not everything should be handled on a tit-for-tat basis,” Kamara advised, stressing the need to protect the image and integrity of Sierra Leone football.
The controversy surrounding Kallon’s dismissal continues to spark debate among football stakeholders, with many calling for transparency and stability within the country’s football administration.
