Leone Stars Coaching Job Faces Pressure, Says Thomas Daddy Brima, SLFA President**
As a sports journalist with nearly 15 years of experience, I couldn’t help but reflect on the surprising statements made by Thomas Daddy Brima, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). During a recent segment on the popular radio program “Good Morning Salone” on FM 98.1, Brima made the startling remark, “Minister go sedon na Conner say are get player na for pick am en the pressure plenty.” This raises questions about his motivations and the underlying tensions within the SLFA.
Brima’s assertion that the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff seems to beg the question: why now? It seems particularly curious coming from him, especially in light of how he controversially rated former Coach John Keister with a mere 19% performance rate—despite the fact that Keister led the Leone Stars to Africa Cup of Nations qualification after 26 years which was his mandate.
One must wonder if Brima is attempting to justify his choice of current coach, given that he had previously chosen this coach against the majority opinion of other executive committee members.
Furthermore, Brima’s public defense of the current coaching staff raises suspicions. Did he feel compelled to publicly back them due to undisclosed personal interests or affiliations? His comments suggest a bond that is undeniably strong, perhaps rooted in connections deeper than football.
Brima’s comments also reveal a complex relationship between the SLFA and the coaching staff. He mentioned how Keister faced similar external pressures while receiving calls from people urging him to include certain players. This brings to light the question of who is influencing these selections—are they external figures with vested interests, or is the pressure emanating from within the association itself?
In painting the current Leone Stars team as better than ever and highlighting their recent goal-scoring successes, Brima seems to overlook the historical context. For instance, under Keister’s management, the team scored four goals against Nigeria—a feat that the current squad has yet to equal. His statements on FM 98.1 indicate a consistent undermining of Keister and the local talents, revealing a troubling undercurrent of bias against the former coach., Coach John Keister and the capacity of the Sierra Leonean native national coaches, it’s better you talk now or remain Silent forever.
“According to Coach Eldred Sunju-Abbey, ACC’s founder and president, ‘ACC remains committed to championing this vital cause and essential developmental strides, empowering native nationals to lead their national teams. The fervent passion for football in Sierra Leone demands a local coaching staff that genuinely comprehends the team’s capabilities, player mentality, and potential, as well as the nation’s ambitions.
This approach has proven successful in other African countries, such as Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt, where local coaches led their teams to impressive victories. This success emphasizes the importance of growing the domestic league, home-based players, and the entire football ecosystem.
Ultimately, it appears that Brima’s remarks serve a dual purpose: they defend his chosen coach while simultaneously casting doubt on the competence of his predecessor. Keister can you respond to your former Boss.
Furthermore, one cannot ignore the possibility that Brima’s comments might affect him during the upcoming SLFA elective congress in 2025.
As we navigate the often murky waters of football management in Sierra Leone, it is imperative for fans, analysts, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and critically assess the motivations behind public statements from officials like Thomas Daddy Brima. The passion for football in Sierra Leone deserves transparency and accountability—qualities that are clearly in contention amidst the growing pressure within the SLFA.
By WAKA WAKA BOD