Less than 100 hours after the dismissal of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national team, the Leone Stars, his assistant, Paul Augustine Kpaka, has publicly reacted, offering a cryptic yet poignant response that has stirred public debate.
Taking to his official Facebook page on Easter Monday, April 6, Kpaka, himself a former international striker, shared a biblical quotation from the Gospel of Mark: “A prophet is treated with honor everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.”
Though brief, the message has been widely interpreted as a veiled commentary on the abrupt termination of Kallon’s tenure by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) on April 2. Kallon, who remains one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated football figures, was relieved of his duties in an April 2, 2026, SLFA decision that has since triggered intense public reaction across the football community.
His dismissal has since dominated headlines and sparked widespread discourse about the direction of the national team. However, his former assistant coach,e Paul Augustine Kpaka’s post quickly gained traction online, with supporters and followers flooding the comment section.
Many viewed the statement as a show of solidarity with Kallon, interpreting it as a reflection on the perceived lack of appreciation for local football icons. Others expressed optimism, suggesting that both men could emerge stronger from the setback.
The fact that the timing of the Kpaka’s message coincided with Easter Monday, a period often associated with reflection and renewal, added further symbolic weight to his words. When contacted for comment, the SLFA’s media department had since declined to address the matter, stating only that they would not respond at this time.
Neither Kallon nor Kpaka has issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the sacking. However, the unfolding reactions underscore the emotional and cultural significance of football in Sierra Leone, where the fortunes of the national team remain closely tied to national pride.
As speculation continues over the future of the Leone Stars and the next steps for both Kallon and his former assistant, Kpaka’s carefully chosen words have ensured that the conversation remains far from over.
