Author: David Lebbie

Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers Request Delay Prize Money
by David Lebbie

Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers Request Delay Prize Money

The management of Bo Rangers submitted a letter dated October 29 to the Acting Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association, requesting their championship prize money for the 2023/24 Leone Rock Premier League after nearly six months of waiting.

The prize money for the championship is confirmed to be Five Hundred Thousand New Leones (NLe 500,000), as announced by the Premier League Board before the league’s commencement in November 2023.

Although the league was sponsored by Leone Rock Mining Company, which contributed Eighty Thousand American Dollars, along with an additional Two Million Eight Hundred Thousand Leones (NLe 2.8M) from the Government of Sierra Leone, the Premier League Board, led by Victor Lewis, and the Sierra Leone Football Association, have yet to disburse the prize money to the champions.

In their letter, Bo Rangers expressed that the delay in receiving the funds has raised concerns among the club’s management, particularly the board of directors. They urged the Sierra Leone Football Association to expedite the payment process for the championship prize.

“This delay has caused genuine concern among the club’s management, especially the board,” the letter stated. It emphasized that timely payment is crucial for the club’s financial planning and upcoming activities.

“We kindly ask the Football Association to expedite the processing of the championship funds to ensure that our club is duly rewarded for its hard work and achievements. Timely disbursement of these funds is essential for the club’s financial planning and future endeavours,” the FA Cup champions lamented.

An official from the SLFA, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the media, “The Champions will receive their prize money.

“Typically, it is the responsibility of the league board to distribute these funds, but they have been unable to do so. The FA will intervene and provide the payments in light of this situation. However, the process has been delayed because the Executive Committee requested that we hold off until they can review the report submitted by the league board.”

Read Related News Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

The Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association
The Sierra Leone Champions Bo Rangers letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association
Bo Rangers optimistic ahead of San Pedro Champions League tie
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers optimistic ahead of San Pedro Champions League tie

Sierra Leonean champions Bo Rangers’ head coach has spoken ahead of their CAF Champions League Interclub 2024/25 Preliminary first leg at the Southern Arena in Bo against San Pedro of Ivory Coast.

The much-anticipated CAF Interclub tie is scheduled for Saturday, August 17, at 4 pm local time before the second leg next weekend in Ivory Coast. 

Providing background on his team’s preparation, John Keister stated that after winning the league, the players were given a two-week break. Upon their return, they have been working hard, and the coach is pleased with their response and efforts during training.

He said the team played some practice games to see how well they were doing in different situations. Keister stressed how important these matches were for checking the players’ and team’s condition before the CAF competition.

“We are satisfied with the team’s performance so far, and there is a great sense of optimism within the team as we head into the qualifiers,” Keister stated.

He acknowledged that Bo Rangers has previously struggled in the competition but expressed confidence in the team’s strength this time around. The coach emphasized the team’s determination to achieve positive results.

“The players are very optimistic and mentally strong. We are pleased with our preparation,” Keister said, acknowledging the historical challenges Sierra Leonean teams have faced against Ivorian counterparts.

However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome these obstacles.

Mogbewmo Queens secure win to keep qualifying hopes alive
by David Lebbie

Mogbewmo Queens secure win to keep qualifying hopes alive

On Thursday, Mogbwemo Queens, the Sierra Leone Champions, secured a decisive 2-1 victory against Determine Girls at the Southern Arena in a WAFU A CAF Champions League match.

This win firmly maintains their tournament hopes, as they have maintained an unbeaten record in the qualifiers after playing three games.

In the 6th minute of the match, Nadi Quadé, a player from Guinea-Bissau, scored the first goal for Mogbwemo Queens with an outstanding assist from Sembu. This goal marked a significant milestone for Quadé as it was her first continental goal.

Despite Determine Girls equalizing in the 35th minute after extensive pressure on the home side, Mogbwemo Queens emerged victorious after captain Kadiatu M. Kamara secured the win with a long-range set piece, earning her the Woman of the Match award.

This win revived Mogbwemo Queens’ campaign in the qualifiers. If they win their final match against Red Scorpions and Determine Girls draw, Mogbwemo Queens will qualify from Zone A for the CAF proper.

Determine Girls coach Patience J Gwah expressed some disappointment with the result but promised that her team would return strong in their last game on Sunday.

Adama Paulina Suma, the coach of Mogbwemo Queens, applauded her players for defeating one of the tournament favourites, emphasizing that they are here for a reason.

Suma’s side has drawn two matches and won one, while Determine Girls have managed two wins and a draw.

The host team will play Gambian Champions Red Scorpions, and Determine Girls will face Senegal’s Ladies of Madina on Sunday.                   

Mogbewmo Queens beat Determine Girls to keep qualifying hopes alive
Mogbewmo Queens beat Determine Girls to keep qualifying hopes alive
Mogbwemo Queens win second straight Sierra Leone Women's league title
by David Lebbie

Mogbwemo Queens rout Mena Queens to win 2nd straight title

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.

The skipper, Kadiatu M Kamara, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, leading the team to an outstanding performance in this season’s campaign.

Salamatu J. Kamara doubled the visitors’ lead, followed by Mariama Sembu scoring a brace, and Kadiatu M. Kamara completing her double in the 82nd minute.

The team has won 20 and drawn 1 of their 21 league matches, and they are one match away from securing an Invincible record.

Adama Paulina Suma, the Head Coach, expressed her happiness and emphasized the team’s hard work and consistency.

The team captain, Kadiatu M Kamara, highlighted the importance of teamwork and tolerance within the team.

They will face Albitaya Queen next weekend at Rutile Field in Mogbwemo.

Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Mogbwemo Queens won the Sierra Leone Women's Premier League for the second consecutive time by defeating Mena Queens 5-0 in Makeni on June 9, 2024.
Rangers beat Ports Authority to move Rangers eight points clear
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers beat Ports Authority to move eight points clear

Bo Rangers secured a last-minute win against Port Authority at the Bo Coronation field to stretch an eight-point advantage over closest rivals FC Kallon at the top Leone Rock Premier League.

The home team scored the first goal after 26 minutes when Suffian Kaloko headed in a corner taken by Paul Kwie. However, the Water Front Boys managed to equalize in the 39th minute through a left-footed shot by former Rangers striker Musa Noah Kamara.

Kamara’s goal helped his team to secure a 1-1 scoreline in the first half of the match.

In the second half, both teams played well, trying to secure a win or at least a draw. Kwame Mketiah replaced Suffian Kaloko in the 60th minute and scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, securing the win for the Elephant. 

Bo Rangers have won six out of their last seven matches, with one draw against Bai Burreh Warriors. In contrast, Port Authority has not won in their previous five games, drawing four and losing to the champions and league leaders. 

The league leaders continue their fine form and are on top of the table with 57 points, while Port Authority is 14th on the log with 26 points and two games in hand. 

In other football news, Wilberforce Strikers secured a 2-0 victory against Wusum Stars at the SLFA field in Freetown Kingtom. Osman Kargbo scored both goals in the 25th and 28th minutes of the game.

Unfortunately, the match between Kholifa Stars and Bhantal FC was abandoned in Makeni, and there is no information on the reason. However, Bhantal was leading by 1-0 at the time. 

Bo Rangers will play against Blackpool in Freetown on Wednesday, while Port Authority will host Luawa FC a day earlier.