By: Abdulai Sankoh
Old Edwardians Football Club has officially unveiled Francis Zappa Koroma as its new Head Coach, on Wednesday 16th September, 2026, alongside his technical team, during a ceremony held at the club’s secretariat at May Park, Kingtom, Freetown.
The unveiling marks a new chapter for the historic football club as it prepares for the upcoming Sierra Leone Premier League season, with the club’s leadership expressing its ambition to move beyond merely competing and challenge for the league title.
Speaking at the ceremony, Old Edwardians FC Technical Director, Edwards Bockarie, welcomed the new technical team and outlined the club’s vision for the season.
Bockarie said the club wants to “change the narrative” by not only participating in the Sierra Leone Premier League but also competing with the objective of winning the championship.
He assured the new technical team that the club’s executive will give them the necessary technical independence to carry out their responsibilities without interference.
According to Bockarie, the decision to appoint the new technical team was based on the club’s confidence in their ability to deliver. He urged the coaches to immediately assess the current playing squad and identify the areas that require strengthening.
The Technical Director also emphasised the importance of discipline, commitment and professionalism, urging the technical team to maintain high standards among the players throughout the season.
Former Old Edwardians FC player Alfred Sagalo Sankoh also expressed optimism about the appointment. He said he knows the capabilities of Coach Francis Zappa Koroma and believes he has the experience and ability to compete for the league title.
However, Sankoh highlighted the availability of quality players as an important factor that will be critical to achieving the club’s ambitions. He commended the club’s executive for putting its trust in the new head coach and his technical team.
Meanwhile, Old Edwardians FC Team Manager, Manfred Peters, welcomed the new technical team and said he is ready to work closely with them.
Peters disclosed that he would present the current squad list to the technical team to enable them to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the players.
He further encouraged the coaches to pay close attention to the club’s feeder team, noting that there are several promising young players with the potential to break into the senior team.
Peters also announced that the club will soon officially unveil its new playing kits ahead of the upcoming Sierra Leone Premier League season.
“Let us work together for one common goal by doing the right things for Old Edwardians Football Club,” Peters said.
The newly appointed Head Coach, Francis Zappa Koroma, said he was delighted to return to Old Edwardians FC and expressed his commitment to the club’s objectives.
Coach Zappa revealed that more than five Premier League clubs in Sierra Leone had contacted him, but he ultimately chose to return to Old Edwardians FC.
He explained that his previous departure from the club several years ago was due to an international assignment with the Sierra Leone Men’s National Team.
The experienced coach promised to give his full commitment to the club and said he and his technical team are ready to work hard to deliver results.
“We are fully committed and ready to deliver,” Coach Zappa stated.
The newly unveiled technical team comprises:
1. Francis Zappa Koroma – Head Coach.
2. Alimu System Koroma – Assistant Coach 1.
3. Samuel Abioseh Cole – Assistant Coach 2.
4. Mohamed Wurie Shaw – Fitness Coach.
Representatives of the Old Edwardians FC Fan Club also welcomed the new technical team and expressed optimism ahead of the new season. They urged Coach Zappa and his team to work hard, maintain discipline and deliver performances that will make the club’s supporters proud.
