The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President, Thomas Daddy Brima, and the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, disagree lately on an issue.

The issue has to do with public comments regarding the national team’s selection process ahead of an upcoming match against Chad that ended in a goalless.

During an interview on Radio Democracy 98.1, Thomas Daddy Brima raised concerns about the team’s preparation and selection.

He emphasized that it would be impractical to overhaul the national team just days before the latest match, citing that last-minute changes could negatively affect the team’s morale. Brima criticized those who suggest certain players to be included in the squad, warning that such public explanation could undermine the confidence of the selected players.

In reaction, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai countered Brima’s argument, arguing that the national team belongs to all Sierra Leoneans, who have every right to voice their opinions on critical issue. He said this is because taxpayers’ are paying their money funds for the team to grow.

Abdulai accused the SLFA of making populist remarks to gain public sympathy and insisted that discussing Leone Stars’ team selection is a natural right for citizens, given their financial stake in the team’s success.

The disagreement between the two sports leaders continues, with Abdulai questioning why Brima would want to strangle public discussion on the team’s matter. He defended the right of citizens, including him, to offer opinions on the team, noting his extensive experience in football over the past 20 years.

Abdulai stressed that while the coach’s decisions are important, they should not be seen as infallible, and that diversity of opinions can lead to better outcomes. However, he stated that President Brima and his technical team chose a different approach.