The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has officially commenced a three-week CAF D Diploma Coaching Course at its headquarters in Freetown, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening coaching education and grassroots football development across the country.
A total of 40 participants have enrolled in the course, which will run for 60 hours and features a comprehensive curriculum comprising technical, theoretical, and practical sessions designed to equip aspiring coaches with the knowledge and skills required to develop players at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the SLFA Deputy General Secretary, Ishmail Saidu Kanu, encouraged participants to approach the course with dedication and seriousness. He emphasized that coaching education remains a key priority for the SLFA and urged the coaches to make the most of the opportunity to enhance their capacity and contribute meaningfully to football development in Sierra Leone.
The course is being facilitated by the SLFA Technical Director John Keister, who will serve as the lead instructor throughout the three-week programme. Addressing the participants, he stressed that beyond technical competence, coaches must uphold the values of integrity, honesty, and professionalism, noting that these qualities are fundamental to the growth of the game and the development of young players.
Also speaking during the opening session, SLFA Director of Competitions Sorie Ibrahim Sesay highlighted the coaching licensing requirements in CAF and FIFA competitions. He reminded participants that obtaining recognized coaching qualifications is increasingly essential for coaches wishing to work at various levels of the game, and encouraged them to take full advantage of the course as part of their coaching development pathway.
As part of the course requirements, participants will also undertake a one-week internship attachment with Sierra Leone Premier League clubs. During this practical placement, each participant will be assigned to a Premier League team to gain firsthand coaching experience, observe professional training environments, and apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course.
The CAF D Diploma Coaching Course represents another important step in the SLFA’s ongoing efforts to raise coaching standards and ensure that more qualified coaches are equipped to nurture football talent across Sierra Leone.
