By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Football Association in partnership with FIFA has successfully concluded its first elite goalkeeping coaches training programme, marking a major step toward strengthening technical expertise in Sierra Leone football.
The five day intensive training brought together 16 former goalkeepers drawn from Premier League clubs and regional divisions across the country. The initiative focused on equipping participants with modern coaching techniques and practical knowledge to improve goalkeeping standards at all levels of the game.
The training was facilitated by FIFA experts Alejandro Alex Heredia and Cameron Cammy Cox, who guided participants through a series of sessions covering technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of elite goalkeeping.
Throughout the programme, attendees were introduced to contemporary methods of training goalkeepers, including positioning, reflex development, communication, and match awareness. The sessions also emphasised the role of goalkeeping coaches in shaping team performance and building confidence among players.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, SLFA President Babadi Kamara commended both participants and organisers for what he described as a successful and impactful workshop. He noted that the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the trainees reflected a strong desire to raise standards within the country’s football sector.
He stressed that continuous capacity building remains essential for the growth of football in Sierra Leone. According to him, investing in technical education for coaches is a critical step toward developing players who can compete at higher levels both regionally and internationally.
Kamara further highlighted that the training aligns with the SLFA’s broader vision of improving the quality of football through structured development programmes. He added that initiatives of this nature will help bridge existing gaps in technical expertise and create a more professional environment within the sport.
Participants also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the training as both timely and transformative. Many said the exposure to international best practices would enhance their ability to train and mentor upcoming goalkeepers in their respective clubs and communities.
The programme represents the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, setting a foundation for future specialised training in other areas of football development. Officials believe that building a strong base of qualified coaches will have a lasting impact on the overall performance of the game nationwide.
This milestone initiative underscores the SLFA’s commitment to raising standards and investing in the future of football. With continued collaboration between local authorities and international partners, there is growing optimism that Sierra Leone football will benefit from improved skills, better organisation, and increased competitiveness in the years ahead.
