Mounting Criticism Over Sierra Leone National Team Selections Under Coach Amidu Karim
Sierra Leone's national football coach, Amidu Karim, is facing heavy criticism regarding his team selection, particularly for excluding players from BO Rangers, a team that has won the Sierra Leone Premier League two years in a row.
Critics argue that it is highly unusual for a team to dominate the domestic league yet have no players called up to the national squad. One observer remarked, "Sierra Leone might be the only country where a club can win the league back-to-back, but none of its players are considered worthy of the national team."
This situation has sparked debate about the criteria used for selecting players. Many are questioning whether the process is based on merit. "If a team can win the league twice without any national team representation, it raises concerns. Is selection truly based on performance, or are there other factors at play?" one critic questioned.
The controversy intensified when the only player from BO Rangers who was initially called up was later dropped due to alleged fitness issues. Fans and analysts have expressed doubts, suspecting that other factors may be influencing these decisions.
Critics are now urging greater transparency from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and demanding a clear explanation from Coach Karim. "Are we really to believe that none of the players from a league-winning team are good enough for national duty?" one analyst asked, emphasizing the need for a more fair and transparent selection process.
As the team prepares for crucial international matches, pressure is growing on the SLFA to address these concerns and clarify how players are chosen for the national team.