**Freetown, Sierra Leone** — The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has officially announced the appointment of French-Portuguese tactician **Didier Gomes Da Rosa** as the new Head Coach of the national team, the Leone Stars, on a two-year contract.
The 56-year-old (born 10 October 1969 in Charenton-le-Pont, France) brings a wealth of experience across African and Middle Eastern football, known for his nomadic but trophy-laden career and tactical acumen, often favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions.
### A Well-Traveled Coach with Proven Success in Africa
Da Rosa’s managerial journey, which began in the lower divisions of French football in 2008, has seen him helm over 20 teams and national sides. His CV reads like a football atlas:
– Early stints in France with AS Roquebrune Cap Martin (2008–2010), ES Fos sur Mer, Cagnes-le-Cros, and AS Cannes B.
– Breakthrough in Africa: Rayon Sports (Rwanda), where he claimed league success; Coton Sport (Cameroon, 2014–2015), securing domestic titles and the Cameroonian Cup; CS Constantine and JSM Skikda (Algeria); Ethiopian Coffee; Horoya AC (Guinea, 2019), where he won the league, cup, and supercup.
– High-profile club roles including Ismaily (Egypt), Al-Merrikh SC and Al Ahli SC (Sudan/Libya), Simba SC (Tanzania, league title in 2021), Al-Wehdat (Jordan, multiple cup wins), Al-Ain FC (UAE), Al-Taraji, Al-Khor (Qatar), and most recently Al-Adalah (Saudi Arabia, until March 2026).
On the international stage, he has coached **Mauritania** (2021–2022) and **Botswana** (2023–2024), notably helping the Zebras qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — ending a long absence from the continental showpiece — with impressive results including victories over stronger sides.
His overall managerial record stands at approximately 146 matches with 54 wins, though success rates have been higher in club environments. He has earned individual accolades, including recognition as one of Africa’s top coaches in earlier seasons.
### High Expectations in Freetown
Leone Stars fans will be hoping that Sierra Leone marks a more stable chapter for the well-traveled coach, who has rarely stayed in one post for longer than a season. The appointment comes as Sierra Leone seeks to rebuild and improve its standing in West African and continental football.
Da Rosa’s deep familiarity with African football cultures, player development, and competing in CAF competitions positions him well to elevate the Leone Stars. He is expected to focus on squad cohesion, tactical discipline, and preparing for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments.
**Welcome to Sierra Leone, Coach Da Rosa!** 🇸🇱⚽️
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this latest stop in his passport becomes a defining and successful one for both the coach and the national team. Further details on his backroom staff and first assignments are anticipated soon.
