The Sierra Leone national football team is conducting its training sessions behind closed doors as part of a strategic effort to enhance its preparations for upcoming fixtures, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Media Department has confirmed in a press statement on Monday.
According to the SLFA, the decision is driven by multiple factors, including tactical secrecy, media control, and player focus. SLFA further explained that the coaching staff is working on specific formations, set pieces, and game strategies tailored to their next opponents, adding that open training sessions could expose these plans to rival teams, potentially compromising Sierra Leone’s competitive advantage.
Additionally, the SLFA emphasized the importance of controlling information flow to prevent speculation and distractions. The statement also mentioned that sensitive details such as player fitness, injury concerns, and last-minute tactical changes will remain within the team’s inner circle to maintain stability ahead of crucial matches.
SLFA said the closed-door policy also ensures that players can train with full concentration, stressing that without external distractions, the team can dedicate itself entirely to executing the coach’s game plan and refining its performances.
Some sessions are focused on fitness and recovery, allowing the medical and coaching staff to monitor progress privately, particularly for players managing minor injuries.
Furthermore, the SLFA revealed that closed training allows the team to experiment with new tactics and player combinations in a secure environment, adding that such adjustments require privacy before they can be effectively implemented in competitive matches.
Security considerations also played a role in the decision, reducing the risk of disruptions and unauthorized recordings that could compromise the team’s preparations.
However, the SLFA reassured journalists that the first 15 minutes of each training session will remain open to the media, in a bid to allow essential coverage while ensuring that the team can focus fully on its preparations.
The SLFA urged fans to understand that this temporary restriction is in the best interest of the national team, with the ultimate goal of delivering strong performances on matchday.
