10/03/2026
*From Freetown to Europe: New ID Program Sees two Sierra Leoneans Reach Top-Flight Football*
Authored By Morlai B Kamara.
Steven Caulker and I create pathway for Sierra Leonean talent to reach Europe
In less than six months, Steven Caulker and I have created a pathway that has enabled two Sierra Leonean players to move from the domestic league to top-flight football in Europe.
Ibrahim Turay and Sallieu Bah are the first success stories from our identification program. Both were scouted while we were working with the Sierra Leone national team and, a year after featuring in the Sierra Leone Premier League, are now competing at the highest domestic levels in Europe.
Ibrahim Turay signed for Stjarnan in the Icelandic Premier League last September. Since his arrival he has made an immediate impact, featuring in eight matches, scoring three goals and providing several assists. His early form demonstrates how quickly a motivated player can adapt and contribute when given the right opportunity.
Sallieu Bah recently completed a move to Zorya Luhansk in the Ukrainian Premier League. He has already logged full 90-minute appearances and registered an assist in Zoryaโs convincing 4-0 victory. Sallieuโs early contributions underline the value of proper scouting and preparation when placing players into competitive European environments.
These moves underline two clear realities: Sierra Leone possesses abundant football talent, and effective scouting and recruitment are essential to unlocking it. Many promising players remain overlooked simply because there is no reliable pathway to professional leagues abroad. Our program seeks to change that.
Beyond arranging transfers, we are building a sustainable support system. We have launched a mentoring program for Sierra Leonean players abroad that provides weekly calls and meetings to help them adapt to European culture and professional expectations.
We have observed that many homegrown players lack mentorship in areas such as mentality, lifestyle adjustment, and professional development gaps that can hinder long-term success even after securing contracts.
To address this, we are delivering mental coaching and cultural orientation designed to help players improve resilience, decision making and daily routines required in professional clubs. Our approach combines on-field scouting with off-field education so players are prepared both technically and mentally.
We are proud as Sierra Leoneans to be creating concrete opportunities that help our players reach their full potential. Ibrahim Turay and Sallieu Bah are examples for young players at home: with the right identification, preparation and support, a pathway to top-tier European leagues is achievable.
We will continue to identify, nurture and mentor more Sierra Leonean talents with the aim of expanding their presence in European football.