By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
The Ministry of Sports have reversed their decision on the appointment of Sellas Tetteh as the head coach of the Sierra Leone National team.
Just over a week ago the ministry said they would not recognize the appointment of Tetteh because the process of selecting him was rigged and incomplete.
On Tuesday the Director of Sports, Dr Kenneth Brima was present at the press conference at the Sierra Leone Football Assocation (SLFA)’s headquarters unveiling Tetteh. He pledged government’s commitment in supporting the team and the coach.
“The government will give you all the support you need so we will see our country qualify,” Dr. Brima said.
He added: “The government will support a successful Leone Stars. We will support Leone Stars to every length.”
When asked about what changed the ministry’s stands on the appointment, Dr Brima refused to comment saying, “I won’t comment on that.”
The Secretary General of the FA, Chris Kamara said they have been working closely with the ministry to get to this point.
“We have been working cordially with the ministry to get to this point. Thank God today we have one of the best technical teams ever for Leone Stars.”
Kamara added: “As an FA, we are proud of that.”
Tetteh was appointed following a joint interview by the FA and ministry of Sports officials. His appointment comes just over two weeks to a crucial encounter with Liberia, in the preliminary qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.
Tetteh’s backroom staff includes Musa Kallon as Assistant Coach 1, Amidu Karim as Assistant Coach 2, Tamba Moses as Goalkeeper Coach, Augustus Lawson as Welfare Officer and James Fofanah as Team Coordinator.
During his presentation, Tetteh called on the nation to unite behind the team. He said unity is important for the team’s success.
“This job is not just meant for me. It is meant for the entire technical team and the nation. The target ahead of us is not an easy one. We want everyone to be united in supporting the team,” Tetteh said.
“We are pleading with everyone to support us and be patient,” he added.
This is not the first time the Ghanaian is taking charge of Leone Stars. He was in charge between 2014 to 2015 when the country was playing its home games in other countries due to the Ebola outbreak.
Tetteh now has less than two weeks to prepare the national side for the double header against Liberia in September. He has already invited 18 foreign based players in addition to more than three dozen home-based players at his disposal.
© 2019 Politico Online
