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England born former Sierra Leone international, John Keister, has been reappointed as the coach of the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The 49 years old was appointed to bridge the gap at the national team after Ghanaian Seles Tetteh left the position in March.

Keister is making his second coming as the coach of Sierra Leone after he had previously managed the Leone Stars and this time, the sports authorities in the country gave him a three years deal.

The 2019 Sierra Leone Premier League winner’s first task is to qualify the Leone Stars for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, a task the looks very daunting given that Nigeria is firmly on top of the qualifying group.

Sierra Leone is first from bottom in the race to Africa Cup of Nations 2022 in Cameroon after a 1-1 draw and an away defeat to Benin in their opening two matches.

He will be assisted by FC Kallon coach Amidu Karim, Bo Rangers technician Dominic Konneh and Prince Tamba Moses as goalkeeping coach.

Keister is not new to this role as he was in charge of Sierra Leone during the 2019 African Cup Of Nations qualifiers before the country was suspended.

He guided Leone stars to a 2-1 opening over Kenya in Freetown June 2017 but lost to Ethiopia 1-0 at the Hawassa Stadium in matchday two of the Afcon qualifying campaign.

The Manchester-born manager has been a success since taking over the reign at East End Lions. He guided the East End giant club to triumph during the 2018/ 2019 Sierra Leone Premier League season undefeated.

Keister had previously served as head coach of the Leone Stars home-based team as well as the Sierra Leone under-17 and under-23 national teams.

The former Sierra Leone international in his playing days has had spells with Walsall, Chester City, Shrewsbury Town, and Stevenage Borough.

Amidst speculations of his imminent exit from Chelsea, Brazilian Willian has confirmed his movement out of Stamford Bridge.
In an emotional letter he penned to the club management and the fans on Sunday, Willian praised the years he spent in London, admitting that he would not play for the Blues next season, saying it was time to move on.
He said it was seven wonderful years at Stanford Bridge, where he noted that beyond the trophies won, it was a memorable time with his mates.
And the 32-year-old has today confirmed that he will not play for the Blues next season, penning an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans on his Instagram account.

The letter read: “In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play. 

“Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense.

“Yet, beyond the trophies, I learned a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person. 

“With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.

“I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club. 

“There was also criticism, which is normal, what is important though is that both the affection and criticism drove me to always give my all in every training session, every game, to be constantly improving until my very last minute in a Chelsea shirt!

‘The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates. I will miss all the staff at the club who’ve always treated me like a son and I will miss the fans. 

“I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here, and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!

“My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!’

Willian’s Chelsea exit had been on the cards after it emerged that he had reportedly rejected a two-year extension, seeking a three-year contract with the club.

He was reportedly angered by the stance taken by Chelsea throughout negotiations, with director Marina Granovskaia offering a ‘take it or leave it’ rebuttal to Willian’s three-year deal demand. 

Arsenal is said to be nearing agreeing terms over a £100,000-per-week deal with the Brazilian, who has committed to offering the three years demanded by the Premier League star, plus the option of a fourth year.

Sportsmail revealed that Willian may cost Arsenal up to £20.8million in total when his wages are taken into consideration.

Prior to Sunday’s news, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insisted there would be no sense of ill-will with regards to the attacker in the event that he would seek pastures new. 

“I would have no feeling of disappointment if he does move on,’ he said before the defeat to Bayern Munich. I don’t have the answer, if he moves on I personally would wish him well. And that’s kind of where we’re at now.’

Willian joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of approximately £30million in the summer of 2013.  

During his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge, Willian scored 63 goals and provided 62 assists across 339 outings for the Blues. He also lifted the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Europa League as well as the Premier League twice. 

In May 2016, he was named Chelsea’s Fan’s Player of the Year and the Player’s Player of the 2015-16 campaign.