FREETOWN — Sierra Leone’s football community is in mourning following the death of Victoria Conteh, the pioneering former head coach of the women’s national team, the Sierra Queens.
Widely known as “Coach Vic” or “De Cox,” she passed away in Freetown on Monday.
Conteh is remembered as a groundbreaking figure in Sierra Leone football, becoming the first woman in the country’s history to manage a top-tier men’s club when she was appointed head coach of East End Tigers in 2019. She remains the only Sierra Leonean woman to hold a CAF A coaching licence, and her career spanned roles as a player, coach, mentor, and administrator.
Born in the early 1970s, Conteh represented Sierra Leone internationally in the early 1990s, earning six caps as part of the country’s first-ever women’s national team.
At club level, she played for sides including Prisons, Lioness, and Soccer Angels before transitioning into coaching.
Her coaching career saw her take charge of the Sierra Leone U-20 women’s team and the Sierra Leone Police women’s side. She also briefly handled men’s second-tier team Delta Strikers before her historic appointment with East End Tigers.
In her debut Premier League match, she guided the team to a 1-1 draw against FC Kallon, though the season was later disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She later coached Police FC following their promotion to the top flight.
Despite battling serious health challenges in recent years, Conteh remained deeply connected to the sport. In March 2026, she expressed a desire to return to coaching during a conversation with renowned BBC journalist Mohamed Fajah Barrie.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) paid tribute to her legacy in a statement issued on May 4, with its president Babadi Kamara describing her as a trailblazer whose “passion, resilience, and commitment to the development of the women’s game” left a lasting impact on football in the country.
Barrie also mourned her passing, recalling their last meeting earlier this year. He described Conteh as a historic figure in African football, noting her achievements as a CAF instructor and member of the SLFA Technical Committee.
Conteh’s influence extended far beyond the pitch. Known for her discipline, leadership, and advocacy for women in sport, she inspired generations of players and coaches, challenging gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her death marks the loss of one of Sierra Leone football’s most influential figures. Tributes continue to pour in from across the sporting community, as colleagues, former players, and fans remember her enduring legacy.
She is survived by family, friends, and a nation of admirers who celebrate her contributions to the game.
