By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has revealed that Leone Stars head coach, Mohamed Kallon, is currently working without a formal salary.
Speaking on Truth Morning Devotion this week, Abdulai disclosed that Kallon, who was appointed in February 2025, accepted the role even though his salary package has not yet been finalized. Instead, the former national captain has been relying on matchday appearance fees and other allowances to sustain his work with the team.
“Kallon is not being paid a salary at the moment,” Dr. Abdulai said. “He chose to go ahead with the job while discussions are still ongoing about his remuneration. What he currently receives are allowances and matchday fees, but nothing close to what a national team head coach deserves.”
Mohamed Kallon’s appointment as head coach of Leone Stars earlier this year sparked both excitement and controversy. For many Sierra Leoneans, it was a long-overdue decision to entrust the team to one of the country’s most celebrated football icons.
Kallon, a former Inter Milan striker, enjoyed a glittering professional career in Europe and captained the Leone Stars during some of its most memorable moments. Now a FIFA pro license holder, his return to lead the national team was widely praised as a bold and symbolic step toward reforming Sierra Leonean football.
Despite the excitement, concerns quickly arose about the lack of transparency regarding his contract and financial arrangements. Abdulai’s revelation confirms what many had speculated that Kallon has been sacrificing personal comfort for national duty
Also, Dr Abdulai praised Kallon for his dedication despite the absence of a proper salary. He noted that the coach’s decision to stay committed to the job reflects his passion for Sierra Leonean football and his desire to contribute to the nation’s sporting success.
“Not many would agree to work under such conditions,” Abdulai said. “But Kallon has shown selflessness. He wants to build the team and inspire a new generation of players. He deserves respect and a decent salary package that reflects his qualifications and international experience.”
Supporters of the national team have also expressed admiration for Kallon’s decision to prioritize service over financial gain. However, others worry that such an arrangement is unsustainable and risks undermining the professionalism of the national team setup.
The issue of remuneration for national coaches has long been a point of contention in Sierra Leone. Previous head coaches often complained of delayed payments, inadequate facilities, and poor contractual terms. Analysts warn that unless the Ministry of Sports and the NSA finalize a competitive package for Kallon, the country could once again face instability in its technical leadership.
For now, Kallon’s passion seems to outweigh the challenges. His presence on the touchline continues to inspire both players and fans, many of whom see him as a unifying figure capable of restoring pride to Leone Stars. But pressure is mounting on authorities to resolve the matter and provide the head coach with the financial security he deserves.
As Sierra Leone prepares for upcoming international fixtures, the conversation around Kallon’s unpaid salary is likely to intensify. For many football fans, ensuring that the country’s greatest football son is properly compensated is not just a contractual obligation but a matter of national pride.
