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.

Bo Rangers edge Blackpool to reach FA Cup Semi-final
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers edge Blackpool to reach FA Cup Semi-final

On Saturday, Bo Rangers secured a semi-final spot in the Sierra Leone Football Association FA Cup after a 63rd-minute goal by Mohamadu Lamin. 

The match was held at SLFA’s headquarters in Kingtom Freetown as Mighty Blackpool had several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise. 

Ibrahim Sorie Conteh sent the first one high over the crossbar, and Rangers’ goalkeeper Abdul Bundu made several saves. 

The Premier League leaders and reigning defending champions had also missed a few of their chances in the first half before Mohamadu Lamin’s winner in the 63rd minute.

The victory for Bo Rangers means they will face Port Authority (The Water Front Boys) in the semi-finals. 

FC Kallon, who eliminated division one side Francess FC, is waiting for a decision from the organizing committee on whether they will play Diamond Stars or East End Lions following an abandoned match last week in Koidu City.

The grand final of the 2023/2024 Sierra Leone FA Cup competition – is expected to be held in Port Loko in May.

Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool 1-0 to reach Sierra Leone FA Cup semis
Rangers defeated Mighty Blackpool 1-0 to reach Sierra Leone FA Cup semis
Bo District Football Academy Owners Hold Dialogue meeting
by David Lebbie

Bo District Academy Owners Hold Dialogue Meeting

Over the weekend, owners of football academies in Bo District held a day-long consultative meeting at Box Point on Fenton Road. 

The purpose of the meeting was to strategize and find ways to foster the development of football, especially at the grassroots level in Bo and Sierra Leone as a whole.

Alhaji Mustapha Shariff, the visionary initiator and CEO of Kortugboma Academy, emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that they are working on a plan to reform their operations and existence so that there will be continuity regardless of what happens in the future. 

He further explained that football in Sierra Leone has taken different dimensions, and for Bo to succeed, it has to seize the opportunity by laying the foundation for grassroots football. The success in that area will be an indicator of their future.

Mark 10, who also spoke at the meeting, revealed that they have recently completed the U-12 & U-14 league within Bo District, where numerous academies participated. They are now working on ways to bring all of them under a single body. Alhaji noted that in the not-too-distant future, they will set up their association to regulate their affairs. He refused to confirm the name of the association but promised to do so after the next meeting.

Chrenoh Van Bah, the Coordinator of the Southern Region Football Association, expressed his enthusiasm, saying that this is the first time in the history of Bo football to see the formation of a grassroots football association. 

With the help of Alhaji Mustapha Shariff, the district and regional football associations are poised to develop grassroots football. He continued that many have put their time and resources into this game, and with the collaborative effort of all, they will take this dream to every corner of the Southern Region.

The newly appointed Technical Director of football in the Southern Region, Patrick Uzoh, applauded the academy owners and promised to cascade it to other areas within the region.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone and National News. 

Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumphs over Luawa
by David Lebbie

Ibrahim Turay scores brace in Rangers triumph over Luawa

Ibrahim Turay (IB Computer) scored twice in either half of the game as Bo Rangers extended their lead in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

The reigning champions and league leaders defeated Luawa FC 3-1 at the Southern Arena on Saturday evening. Ibrahim Turay’s close-range finish gave Rangers the lead in the six-yard box through Abu Komeh’s assist before halftime.

After the recess, Amadu Mansaray doubled the home side’s advantage from a counterattack before Ibrahim Turay fired home his brace and the Rangers third of the day.

Luawa pulled back one as Mohamed Kargbo scored from the spot after they were awarded a penalty for handball by Lamin Kargbo. 

The coaching staff of Bo Rangers were in a joyous mood after winning on home ground following two weeks away from action. 

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, Sebastian Bowles Luawa FC head Coach said, “I’m pretty ok with the effort of the boys today this is the third match in seven days lots of travelling and it’s been a hard way for us.”

He revealed, “The lack of concentration at the beginning of the second half caused them two goals- if not, the match should have ended 1-1. I am a little bit disappointed in the lack of concentration.

“Congratulations to Bo Rangers – a wonderful team and good stadium -not many teams will take a point away from Bo.”

Rangers have won two and drawn one of their last three matches (WDW) and are 1st on the log with 26 points, whilst Luawa won one and two defeats LWL) and 5th with 20 points.

Elsewhere in the league, newcomers Kholifa Star were defeated at home by Wilberforce Strikers Santawaj Bangura (60) and John Kargbo(73) scored the goals, Whilst Kabba Timbo’s goal secured a victory for Lamboi FC over Ports Authority.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, National News and Bo Rangers News. 

Bo Rangers thrash Mighty Blackpool to maintain lead at the top
by David Lebbie

Bo Rangers thrash Mighty Blackpool to maintain top spot

Reigning Champions Bo Rangers inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Blackpool to maintain their Leone Rock Premier League Lead at the Southern Arena in match-day nine of the season.

Former Blackpool winger Yusuf Santigie Sesay opened the scoring 20 minutes into the first half when he volleyed Amadu Mansaray’s cross into the back of the net.

He then doubled the Invincible Champions lead from a set piece at the edge of the penalty box 24th-minute as they held on to their lead into halftime.

Substitute Suffian Kalokoh was on the score sheet, scoring Ibrahim Turay’s cross after replacing Abu Komeh.

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers Head Coach John Edward Keister said they are pleased to bounce back after a horrible and difficult moment (Bai Bureh Warriors defeat) from Port Loko. We are just happy to win here.

“We play the way we train and we are just trying to win Matches, every football Match we are going to is not different so this is not different as well.”

“People sometimes talk about Bo Rangers which they don’t know, I was Born in Bo and I happy to play my own part in the development of the team and am here to make my own contribution,” He noted.

Mighty Blackpool are on a six-game run without a win, securing only a point. However, Tis Tas Boys head coach Alusine Bala Kargbo referred to it as unfortunate and promised to turn things around in the not-too-distant future.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Premier League and Bo Rangers.

Mogbwemo Queens begin the title defence with a 1-0 win
by David Lebbie

Mogbwemo Queens begin title defence with a 1-0 win 

Mogbwemo Queens defeated Ram Kamara 1-0 as they began their title defence in the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League on Saturday.

Kadiatu M Kamara’s 25th-minute goal secured all three points for Champions Mogbwemo Queens as they continued dominance over Ram Kamara Female.

Mabinty Sesay (Ram K) was awarded Woman of the Match. Mogbwemo Queens FC’s next match will be at home against the Correctional Sports Club.

Speaking to Football Sierra Leone, head Coach Adama Polina Suma of Mogbwemo Queens described the win as vital. 

“To open with maximum points is very important. I give credit to my team and they are top of their game and are set for the next game”.

“We always respect our opponent playing away to Ram Kamara whom have the home support and everything we have to expect the resistance from them and infact we were expecting much more from them, playing against us the Champions you may want to prove all best,” Coach Musa Stated. 

However, she stated that although they have other players on the sideline, they remain focused on defending their title.

On her part, Coach Fatmata Turay of Ram Kamara said the result was not a good one for them based on what they did in training and on the pitch, they deserved more.

“We went wrong in the preparation for this match moreover, we never trained on the pitch all that affected us. Our next game is against Kahunla Queens let’s see what will happen there but the competition is still open and I am confident of winning.” she noted.

Meanwhile, Mogbwemo Queens are unbeaten in three meetings with Ram Kamara (Two wins and a draw).

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Womens Premier News, Mogbwemo Queens and  Ram Kamara.