Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has publicly questioned the suitability of former Leone Stars captain Mohamed Kallon for a coaching role with the national team.

In a post on the Soccer Africa media forum, Kamara questioned whether Kallon had completed the necessary coaching course to take charge of the Sierra Leone national team. He also referred to Kallon’s record with his club side in the domestic league, claiming that the team conceded 16 goals in four matches last season.

The SLFA president went further, stating that, in his view, Kallon is “not the coach we want” for the national team. He suggested that Kallon could instead wait and contest the next SLFA election and, if successful, appoint himself as head coach.

Kamara also questioned the level of praise directed at Kallon because of his playing career, referring to his international and club achievements and asking whether the same argument would apply if Kallon had been players of the stature of Didier Drogba or Nwankwo Kanu.

The comments are likely to generate further debate among Sierra Leone football followers, particularly because Kallon remains one of the country’s most recognised football personalities and former Leone Stars players.

Kallon has previously been involved in discussions surrounding the national team in different capacities, while his coaching qualifications and experience have also been subjects of debate among football stakeholders.

The debate now centres on whether Kallon’s playing profile, coaching qualifications, technical experience and previous record should determine his suitability for a national team coaching position.