Sierra Leone’s Mohamed Kallon Promises Change In Perception Of Black Coaches

Mohamed Kallon, former captain of the Sierra Leone national team, has promised to change the perception of black coaches around the world.
Kallon, according to BBC, is aware of the challenges ahead of him to establish himself and work at the highest level in Europe.
The soon to be 41-year-old was talking after earning European football’s highest coaching qualification, the Uefa Pro Licence, in Italy.
The former Inter Milan and Monaco forward is aiming at changing the narrative surrounding black coaches.

“I know there are obstacles ahead if I want to coach in Italy because it’s difficult for a black coach to have a job there,” Kallon told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s easier for Italian nationals to secure a coaching job than foreigners because of their system.
“The fact is that black qualified coaches do struggle to get jobs at big clubs in Europe because there’s the perception that they can’t perform at the highest level.
“It’s about time we change the narrative and I want to be part of it. We need to get three to four black coaches to break through, and we’ll be there.”

Kallon pointed out that it took time for black players to establish themselves at the highest levels in European football.
“There were not lots of African players playing in Europe 30 to 40 years ago but we got there after the breakthrough,” he added.
“Players like George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele to name a few did well in Europe and got us recognised on the world stage.

“We’ve done it as footballers now we should do it as coaches. Let’s change our mindset and how people perceive us to be.
“We should believe in ourselves that we can deliver on the highest stage.”