Day: June 11, 2025

Ex-Sierra Leone defender earns UEFA A Coaching License
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker earns UEFA A Coaching License

Former Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker has taken a notable step forward in his coaching career by earning a UEFA A Coaching License.

The ex-Liverpool and Tottenham player, who captained the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone before International retirement, successfully earned his UEFA A Coaching License eighteen months after securing his B License.

Having completed his UEFA A badge with the English FA, Caulker is now focused on his coaching journey. He expressed his excitement about applying his knowledge on the football field.

“I am really proud to announce that I have obtained my UEFA A Coaching License. It has been a great 12 months of learning with an excellent group of individuals. Now, I am even more excited to begin my coaching journey and put all my learning into practice,” he stated.

Caulker, who played a key role for Sierra Leone during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, is transitioning from his playing career to coaching. He believes this path is the future for him and aspires to become a manager someday, with a desire to coach the Sierra Leone national team and promote an attractive style of football among young Sierra Leonean players.

The UEFA A License is the most advanced practical coaching certification available, building upon the technical and tactical knowledge covered in the UEFA B License.

This certification emphasises the development of individual players within units, as well as enhancing understanding of modern game trends, strategies, tactics, systems of play, and the principles of the England DNA.

Sierra Leone's Aminata Fullah to officiate at the Women's AFCON
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s Aminata Fullah to officiate at Women’s AFCON

Sierra Leone’s top female referee, Aminata Fullah, has been selected by CAF to officiate at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from July 5 to July 26, 2025.

She becomes the first referee from Sierra Leone to officiate at an AFCON tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication.

This is a significant achievement for both Aminata and Sierra Leonean football. It shows her years of hard work, discipline, and consistent performance.

Aminata Fullah has also become the first-ever Elite A Referee in Sierra Leone’s history. This is a major milestone that will inspire current and future referees in the country.

Her success highlights the growing recognition of Sierra Leonean referees in Africa and beyond. Aminata’s achievement proves that with hard work and support, our officials can succeed at the highest levels of international football.

https://twitter.com/football_sierra/status/1932693265016390088 

Senegal's Lions of Teranga overcome England at the Forest Ground
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal’s Lions of Teranga overcome England at the Forest Ground

England faced their first defeat against an African team, losing 3-1 to Senegal in an international friendly at the City Ground.

Thomas Tuchel sought a strong response following England’s uninspired 1-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday. However, they were deservedly beaten in Nottingham.

Senegal, initially trailing after Harry Kane’s early goal against the run of play, managed to turn the match around.

Ismaila Sarr capitalized on Kyle Walker’s slow reaction to equalize just before half-time. Shortly after the hour mark, Habib Diarra slipped away from Morgan Gibbs-White and found space in the right channel, scoring by putting the ball between Dean Henderson’s legs.

England had chances to score, with Edouard Mendy making great saves against Gibbs-White and Bukayo Saka. A goal by substitute Jude Bellingham got called back because of a handball by Levi Colwill, which caused some debate late in the match.

The final result happened when Noni Madueke’s bad free-kick in stoppage time let Senegal counterattack.

They moved quickly, with Youssouf Sabaly scoring calmly past Henderson to secure this historic win. England left the field to a chorus of boos.