Sierra Leone appoint former Simba SC coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as Leone Stars head coach

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced the appointment of experienced French tactician Didier Gomes Da Rosa as the new head coach of the national team, Leone Stars.

The 56-year-old takes over the role ahead of Sierra Leone’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, bringing with him extensive coaching experience across Africa and Asia.

In a statement released on Friday, the SLFA expressed confidence in the new coach’s ability to lead the national team to greater success.

“The Sierra Leone Football Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Didier Gomes Da Rosa as the new Head Coach of Leone Stars,” the statement said.

“With a wealth of international experience, multiple league and cup titles, and a proven track record across Africa and Asia, coach Didier arrives with the vision, expertise and ambition to lead Sierra Leone football to greater heights.”

Da Rosa is well known on the African football scene, having managed clubs and national teams across several countries, including Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Egypt, Sudan and Mauritania. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence and boasts an impressive coaching résumé spanning more than two decades.

The Frenchman previously guided Tanzanian giants Simba SC and has also taken charge of leading clubs such as Horoya AC of Guinea, Sudanese powerhouse Al Merrikh, Egyptian side Ismaily SC, Cameroon’s Coton Sport and Rwanda’s Rayon Sports.

His appointment comes at a crucial period for Sierra Leone as the Leone Stars intensify preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

As part of their build-up, Sierra Leone will play two international friendlies against Liberia. The first match is scheduled for June 7 at the Southern Arena in Bo City, while the return fixture will be played on June 9 at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia.

Da Rosa’s immediate focus will be preparing the Leone Stars for a challenging AFCON qualifying campaign. Sierra Leone have been drawn in Group E alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, with the qualification matches set to begin in September.

The SLFA will be hoping the experienced French coach can harness the team’s potential and guide Sierra Leone back to the continental stage as they seek a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.