Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone's native Jaze Kabia happy with Grimsby Town move
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone native Jaze Kabia happy with Grimsby Town move

Following signing for English League Two team Grimsby Town on a two-year contract from Truro City, Sierra Leonean native Jaze Kabia is happy.

Following a highly contested National League South season that ended with Truro City winning the title on the final day, the 24-year-old forward joins the Mariners in North East Lincolnshire.

Kabia signed with Truro and in 44 games scored 17 goals and delivered 11 assists to make a big difference last summer. He is now a member of David Artell’s team.

“Absolutely buzzing to be at this massive club. Looking forward to the journey ahead, Mariners @officialgtfc,” Kabia noted on X.

Originally from Ireland, Kabia rose through the ranks at Cobh Ramblers and made his senior debut there. Later on he moved to Shelbourne, where he scored on his first appearance and helped the team win the League of Ireland First Division crown.

Kabia moved to Scotland at the age of 22 and got Premiership experience with Livingston. His debut came against Celtic, and he gained priceless game time through various loan spells.

“We have a bright, young player who we believe has a great chance to make a major impact in league football,” said David Artell of his fresh recruit. Last season, he was involved in a successful endeavour; he is aware of the means to advance.

We look forward to him joining the team and hope he will score several goals for us.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1940660007093391809

Women's AFCON teams arrive in Morocco in style ahead of kickoff
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Women’s AFCON teams arrive in style ahead of kickoff

Top women’s football teams from Africa, including Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria, arrived in Morocco ahead of TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). set to start from July 5–26, 2025, to compete.  Among the first to arrive were South Africa, the reigning champions.

The South African team, Banyana Banyana, arrived in Casablanca on Wednesday following a 24-hour journey from Johannesburg that included a stop in Ghana.

They settled in and promptly started training despite travel delays. “It was a long and exhausting trip, but we have arrived and settled in,” said head coach Dr. Desiree Ellis. We were able to hold our first training session. Being here and getting started for the major tournament is really exciting.

Along with Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, South Africa is in Group C. On July 7 Ghana is their first opponent; on July 11 Tanzania and on July 14 Mali follow. Oujda’s Honneur Stadium will host all matches.

In Mohammédia, meanwhile, Zambia’s Copper Queens (In photo) arrived in style as they get ready with local and foreign players, Coach Nora Häuptle is guiding high-intensity workouts at the Lanoria Club.

On 5 July, Zambia will face Morocco in the opening match at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. They will also compete against Senegal and DR Congo on 9 and 12 July, respectively, in Mohammédia.

Morocco is currently preparing by training in Rabat and will play a friendly against Tanzania on Saturday. In Group A, they are joined by Zambia, Senegal, and DR Congo. Senegal has just arrived in Morocco for the tournament.

Group B features Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. Excitement is building for this major women’s football competition as top talent gathers in Morocco next week.

Ghana's Semenyo extends Bournemouth contract until 2030
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Semenyo extends Bournemouth contract until 2030

Ghanaian International Antoine Semenyo has extended his Bournemouth deal that will keep him at Vitality Stadium through the summer of 2030.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian forward originally signed a long-term contract with the team 12 months ago after joining from Bristol City in January 2023.

He has made 89 appearances and scored 22 goals since joining, 13 of which came during Bournemouth’s stellar 2024–25 campaign, which saw them finish ninth in the Premier League.

Semenyo stated, “I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season, and I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch.” “I have nothing but praise for everyone at the club, from the supporters to the employees and my teammates. It’s an amazing location.

Semenyo had been linked with interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham this summer, so his new contract is a significant boost for manager Andoni Iraola, especially after Milos Kerkez moved to Anfield and Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid.

With Dean Huijsen joining Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez moving to Anfield, Semenyo’s new contract is a huge boost for manager Andoni Iraola, who had been linked to interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham this summer.

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon's Leone Stars ultimatum
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon’s Leone Stars ultimatum

A report on an ultimatum given by Leone Stars head coach Mohamed Kallon regarding his pay have been refuted by Dr. Emmanuel Safa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority.

Coach Kallon has demanded a $20,000 monthly salary or else he would quit, according to the Tribune Times.

“The Kallon contractual negotiation is ongoing. He has not given any ultimatums, we are discussing the final details of his contract. Yes, I am in the middle of the negotiations and figures are floated here and there, however there has never been an ultimatum,” the Luawa FC owner responded.

It is now clear that the negotiations and contractual agreement are still pending since the former Inter Milan striker was appointed as head coach. Kallon began his tenure with a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau but subsequently lost to Egypt in March this year during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

ASC Jaraaf pick first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

ASC Jaraaf lift first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018

Asc Jaraaf has won the Senegal Ligue 1 title for the 2024/25 season, confirming the victory on the final day. This is their first victory in 2018.

In an away game, Jaraaf defeated ASC HLM 4–1; second-place US Gorée dropped to Guédiawaye. The defeat of Gorée gave Jaraaf their 13th straight title.

Jaraaf had a great season under coach Malick Daf, getting to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup and almost to the quarterfinals.

With 54 points, three points ahead of Gorée, Jaraaf ended the year. Daf told Wiwsport that the title race was close-fought. He stated, “We maintained concentration all the way through. We had to win; there was no way we would have settled for a draw when we were head and head with US Gorée.”

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams

Chosen to officiate at the next TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, July 5–26, 2025, a top female referee from Sierra Leone, Aminata Fullah, is dreaming of fulfilling her goal of refereeing at a FIFA World Cup.

One of the continental officials appointed to supervise the upcoming continental exhibition under the direction of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a structural adjustment driven by the need to improve inclusivity, competition, and visibility for women’s football throughout Africa, Fullah is working to advance in her field.

This appointment is a major turning point in her refereeing life. Aminata’s distinction as the first Sierra Leonean official to work an AFCON tournament highlights her outstanding talent and unrelenting passion for the game.

Acknowledging this achievement

“It holds significant value for my career. From the moment I began refereeing, my goal has been to leave a lasting impact on myself and the profession. I have committed myself to working diligently to realise this aspiration,” she shared with this platform.

“For me, this is merely the start; my goal is to officiate at a FIFA World Cup final. It’s a dream of mine, and with the grace of the Almighty, I believe I will achieve it.”

Regarding Inspiring Girls Who Aspire to Follow Her Path!

“It provides me with greater hope and motivation to strive harder than ever because such recognition serves as an inspiration, not just to me, but to other young girls in Sierra Leone and across the continent who wish to pursue refereeing as a career.”

“Indeed, this marks my first significant assignment, and I saw on social media that it’s also the first occasion in Sierra Leone football history to have a referee at a CAF international tournament.”

“I have officiated local matches, participated in regional WAFU A competitions, and been involved in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but this is my debut in a major CAF tournament, like the Women’s African Cup of Nations.”

I commenced my career in 2020 and have consistently put in the effort to reach this point and beyond. My passion for refereeing remains strong, and by the grace of God, I envision myself still in this profession five years from now and further. I aspire to be a top-tier referee not only in Africa but globally, inshallah.”

The opening match of the tournament will be played in Rabat at the newly-built Olympic Stadium between hosts Morocco and Zambia on 5 July, two of Africa’s most improved women’s football nations since the finals were last played in 2022.

The match will kick off at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT).

  • Group A | Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Group B | Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
  • Group C | South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Kumba set to play UEFA Women's Champions League with Riga
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba set to play UEFA Women’s Champions League with Riga

Kumba Zainab Brima has joined FC Riga’s women’s premier side on a two-year deal ahead of the new campaign and is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League next month.

FC Riga will be participating in this year’s Women’s UEFA Champions League, providing a great platform for the Sierra Leonean international to showcase her style and skills on the biggest stage.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League first and second qualifying round draws have been made to begin the new-look competition.

Riga’s ladies begin against Estonia side Tallinna FC Flora (EST) vs Riga FC Women (LVA) next month.

The club announced her signing via their social media pages, making her the first player from Sierra Leone to join them.

Known by her nickname, “Pele,” Kumba has been a standout player since arriving at the local club FC Kallon.

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland

Former Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker has signed a deal as both a player and assistant coach with Icelandic top-tier club Stjarnan FC.

“We are proud and honoured to announce that Steven Caulker has joined Stjarnan, taking on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team,” the Iceland top-tier side noted.

Steven Caulker has had a successful career in football. He has played over 150 matches in the English Premier League for teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, QPR, and Southampton.

He has also played for the England national team and later led Sierra Leone as captain in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Recently, Steven continued his career in Turkey, playing for Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, and Fatih Karagümrük, where he was an important player and a leader.

Most recently, he made 33 appearances for Ankara Keçiörengücü SK in the Turkish First League.

“We warmly welcome Steven Caulker to Stjarnan and believe our community will make him feel at home in Garðabær.”

Wydad Athletic suffered a three-straight defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wydad Athletic suffer third straight defeat in FIFA Club World Cup

On Thursday in Washington, D.C., a first-half goal by Cassius Mailula was negated by second-half goals from Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Kaku, allowing Al Ain to defeat Wydad AC 2-1.

Both teams took to the pitch with a sense of determination, playing not just for points but for pride, having already been eliminated from contention for the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Juventus, two storied clubs in European football, had already secured the top two spots in Group G, rendering this match a contest for respect rather than advancement.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to see their teams deliver a strong performance despite the stakes being low. Each player on the field understood the significance of this match, not only for their clubs’ legacies but for their own professional reputations.

Nonetheless, both clubs aimed to exit the tournament on a positive note, and it was the UAE side that left the pitch with their heads held high after completing the comeback.

Sierra Leone's Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Tyrese Fornah pens permanent Northampton Town deal

Northampton Town has signed Tyrese Fornah, a former midfielder for Nottingham Forest and Derby County, on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old player, who is 6 feet 1 inch tall and was born in London, started his career at the academies of Reading and Brighton & Hove Albion. He made his professional debut for Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup match against Chelsea in 2020.

Fornah spent time on loan with Portuguese side Casa Oia and then joined Plymouth Argyle on a season-long loan in October 2020, making 39 appearances.

He went on to have loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, where he played 19 games, and Reading, where he played 35 games. In 2023, he transferred to Derby County for an undisclosed fee. Fornah made 23 appearances in the 2023/24 season, helping the Rams win promotion from League One. He then spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Salford City, where he played 43 times.

Manager Kevin Nolan said, “We have followed Tyrese for a long time and wanted to bring him in. We did a lot of research and believe he will work well with Dean Campbell. He can play as a defensive midfielder or advance further up the pitch. He has great skills for carrying the ball and moving the team forward.”

Nolan added, “We discussed how we can help him improve, especially in scoring goals, and he was open to that. We are happy with this signing. Tyrese is at a good age with a strong background, and I believe fans will enjoy watching him play for Northampton Town. He had a lot of interest this summer, so it’s great that we’ve secured him for Sixfields.”