AYV News, April 25, 2025
Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, head of Sierra Leone’s National Sports Authority (NSA), held a strategic discussion this morning with Ole Keldorf, a renowned talent development mentor from the Danish Football Association and UEFA instructor, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s football development programs.
The meeting centered on innovative strategies in talent identification and grooming, with a particular focus on the environment, equipment, and coaching methodologies that contribute to holistic athlete development. Keldorf shared his expertise through a compelling presentation titled “A Holistic Approach to Talent Development in Denmark,” offering unique perspectives drawn from Denmark’s successful football model.
One of the key highlights of the exchange was Keldorf’spowerful analogy likening footballers to lions in a jungle versus lions in a zoo—underscoring the contrast between players who remain in their comfort zones and those who thrive in challenging, competitive environments. This metaphor struck a chord with local sports officials aiming to instill resilience and ambition in young talents.
Dr. Abdulai described the meeting as insightful and timely, especially as Sierra Leone seeks to refine its sports development strategies. Importantly, Keldorf expressed a strong commitment to support Luawa FC by enhancing training programs for local coaches—an initiative expected to elevate the quality of talent nurturing across the country.
“This collaboration marks a significant step in our journey to build a competitive and resilient football culture in Sierra Leone,” Abdulai remarked, highlighting the potential long-term benefits for both coaches and players.
As the NSA continues to pursue partnerships aimed at raising standards in sports development, this engagement with international experts like Keldorf could pave the way for transformative changes in how talent is identified, supported, and propelled to higher levels.
