Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has initiated a significant discussion aimed at implementing regular payments for national coaches across all performing sports disciplines in Sierra Leone.

This initiative, once finalized, is expected to increase coaches’ commitment, ensure consistent and structured training sessions, and establish a competitive recruitment process aligned with NSA guidelines. The success of this initiative will help track the progress of athletes and improve Sierra Leone's chances of winning gold in international competitions.

Dr. Abdulai emphasized the need for National Sports Organizations (NSOs) to shift from merely participating in events to competing for global recognition through consistent victories. He stated, “We are in a new era where NSOs must treat sports as serious business by organizing national competitions, discovering raw talents, adhering to good governance, and performing at an international level. This is how the government can effectively support them."

He highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to investing in sports and youth development, which has created numerous jobs and improved the lives of many. One of his first steps in this initiative was successfully advocating for the payment of Leone Stars coaches on a monthly basis rather than quarterly. This change contributed to Sierra Leone’s strong performances against Djibouti and Burkina Faso in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, is responsible for promoting, developing, and supervising all sports activities in Sierra Leone.