The Sierra Leone Football Association has named John Edward Keister as caretaker head coach of the national men’s football team, Leone Stars, as the Association continues its search for a permanent coach.

The appointment was approved by the SLFA Executive Committee and will see Keister take charge of the national team during the upcoming FIFA international window in June. The experienced football tactician, who currently serves as the Association’s Technical Director, has been entrusted with leading the squad in two international friendly matches against neighboring Liberia.

To support him in the temporary role, Alhaji Foray has been appointed Assistant Coach I, while Mohamed Lamin Kamara will serve as Assistant Coach II.

The coaching team is expected to immediately begin preparations for the double-header against the Liberian national team. Leone Stars will first host Liberia at the Southern Arena in Bo on June 6 before travelling to Monrovia for the return fixture at the SKD Stadium on June 9.

The friendly encounters are expected to provide an opportunity for the technical team to assess players and strengthen the squad ahead of future competitive assignments.

In announcing the appointments, the SLFA Executive Committee expressed confidence in the experience and leadership of Keister and his assistants, noting that the trio possesses the technical expertise required to guide the national team during the transitional period.

The Association further indicated that efforts to recruit a substantive head coach remain ongoing, while the caretaker coaching staff focuses on preparing Leone Stars for their forthcoming international engagements.