Category: Players Abroad News

Sierra Leone fasting growing digital football website is passionately on all topics of National and International news, identifying our soccer stars.

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu nets as Plymouth Argyle thrash Millwall

Sierra Leone international Mustapha Bundu contributed to Millwall’s 5-1 defeat against Plymouth Argyle in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night.

Plymouth took an early lead with an own goal and a penalty scored by Ryan Hardie. In the second half, Hardie and Bundu quickly added two more goals. Joe Bryan scored a late consolation for Millwall before Nikola Katic made it 5-1.

Head Coach Alex Neil changed the starting lineup from the last game, bringing in Camiel Neghli for Ra’ees Bangura-Williams.

Plymouth scored first after six minutes when an accidental deflection went in off Joe Bryan. Hardie then converted a penalty following a foul in the box, making it 2-0.

Millwall nearly scored immediately after, but Mihailo Ivanovic’s header was saved. Neghli had a long-range shot tipped over, and moments later, Plymouth scored again. Bundu scored the third goal for Plymouth by turning and shooting past the goalie.

After substitutions, Azeez’s free-kick was deflected wide. In the 80th minute, Millwall finally scored when Azeez set up Bryan. However, Katic rounded off Plymouth’s scoring with a goal in the last minutes of the match.

Goals: Bryan og 6, Hardie pen 10, Bundu 53, Hardie 56, Katic 87

Millwall Goal: Bryan 80

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osman Kakay raring to go with Primeira Liga side Boavista

The former Queens Park Rangers academy graduate Osman Kakay has signed with the Portuguese Primeira Liga team Boavista as a free agent and says he can’t wait to get back on the pitch after a long absence. 

“I’m happy to be back playing football after a long break. Joining a big club like Boavista is a great honour,” said the excited Sierra Leone international.

He added, “I can’t wait to get started and enjoy playing football again.” Boavista is a well-known club, and even though it’s been a long time since I last played, I’ve had the chance to reflect and I believe now is the right time to return.”

He made his first appearance for QPR in August 2016. He played out of position on the right side of midfield during an EFL Cup second-round win over Rochdale and was substituted after 73 minutes, earning applause from the QPR fans.

On January 31, 2017, Kakay signed a loan deal with Chesterfield until the end of the 2016–17 season. In November 2018, QPR offered him a contract extension, keeping him at Loftus Road until 2021.

On September 2, 2019, Kakay went on loan to Partick Thistle until January 2020. He mainly played as a right back there but often as a right winger.

On September 5, 2020, Kakay scored his first professional goal in an EFL Cup match against Plymouth Argyle and signed a contract extension until 2024. He netted his first Championship goal on May 1, 2021, in a 2–0 win over Stoke City. QPR announced on May 6, 2024, that Kakay would leave the club when his contract expired that summer.

  • On the International stage

Kakay made his international debut for Sierra Leone on September 9, 2018, in a match against Ethiopia during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

In December 2021, he was named in the Sierra Leone squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This marked the country’s first participation in the tournament since 1996.

Kakay played the entire ninety minutes in his team’s opening match, where they managed to draw 0-0 with Algeria, the defending champions and one of the favourites to win.

Read related – Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is Imminent.

https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/medical-update-kamil-conteh
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bristol Rovers medical update on midfielder Kamil Conteh

Bristol Rovers has provided an update on Sierra Leone international Kamil Conteh following a diagnosis of bone infection.

The midfielder has been unavailable for the Gas since playing in the Sky Bet League One match against Exeter City on Boxing Day due to a minor knee injury.

“After developing an unusual swelling in his foot, the 22-year-old underwent several tests and was diagnosed with a bone infection. It is unknown how Kamil picked up the infection,” the club noted.

That the infection was diagnosed early meant Kamil was able to receive quick and effective treatment, avoiding potential long-term problems.

We are pleased to share that Kamil is now back at The Quarters Training Facility after a short recovery period, working closely with the Club’s medical team to ensure his strength and conditioning rehabilitation is completed in the safest manner possible.

While the Club is unable to put a timeframe on Kamil’s return to action, all at Bristol Rovers look forward to seeing him back in the blue-and-white quarters as soon as he receives the all-clear to do so.

Sierra Leone's Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers. Read www.footballsierraleone.net #PlayersAbroad #FSLNews #FSLMedia #SierraLeone #Boavista
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Osman Kakay to Boavista is imminent

Sierra Leone international Osman Kakay is set to rejuvenate his career in Portugal with Boavista after parting ways with English Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

Boavista is now free to sign new players following the lifting of FIFA’s transfer ban that had previously prohibited them from registering players for five consecutive transfer windows.

With the arrival of new head coach Lito Vidigal, who has signed a contract valid until the end of the current season, the club is looking to strengthen its squad. Ongoing discussions aim to bring in several key players.

Osman Kakay and midfielder Marco van Ginkel, a 32-year-old Dutch international known for his time with Chelsea, Milan, PSV, and Vitesse, are under consideration. Additionally, Layvin Kurzawa, a 32-year-old left-back and former PSG player, along with Moussa Koné, a 28-year-old Senegalese winger who played last season on loan from LASK Linz at FC DAC 1904 in Slovakia, have already signed with Boavista and will be presented in the coming days.

Tomas Vaclik, a 35-year-old Czech Republic international goalkeeper who won the Europa League with Sevilla, is currently training at Bessa and is expected to be officially confirmed by the club soon. Rúben Ribeiro, the former Chaves winger, is also anticipated to join the squad shortly.

Mustapha Bundu's Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest
by Football Sierra Leone

Mustapha Bundu’s Plymouth Argyle face tricky Millwall contest

Mustapha Bundu and his bottom-placed English Championship team, Plymouth Argyle, has not won any of its last eight league matches against Millwall, with four draws and four losses since its 3-0 victory at home in December 1997.

Both teams will compete in round 31 of the ongoing campaign at the Home Pack stadium. The home side, Argle, will look to take inspiration from their 1-0 win against Premier League Leaders Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round.

Millwall has won their last three league games against Plymouth Argyle. This is the longest winning streak the Lions have ever had against the Pilgrims in the EFL.

Plymouth recently broke a 15-game winless streak in the Championship by winning 2-1 against West Bromwich Albion. However, Argyle has not won consecutive league games since February 2024.

Millwall has won their last three league matches after not winning any of their first four under Alex Neil, which included two draws and two losses. Each of their last eight league wins has been by just one goal.

In the win against West Brom, Ryan Hardie scored both goals for Plymouth. Before this match, he only scored once in his previous 35 Championship games. Hardie last scored in consecutive games in January 2024.

Argyle, led by Mustapha Bundu, will face Manchester City away in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup after their 1-0 win over Liverpool.

The Greens previously met City in the League Cup semi-final in 1974 and in the FA Cup in 1988.

Fifth-round matches are set for February 28 to March 3, and we will provide date and ticket information soon.

The Sierra Leone International, Mustapha Bundu, who on September 1, 2023, signed a two-year deal with EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle, was part of the team that defeated Liverpool.

After debuted on September 23, coming on in the 87th minute during a 6–2 win over Norwich City, where he assisted a goal. Bundu scored his first goal in his first league start on October 25 with a first-half free-kick in a 3–0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new J League 2 campaign
by FSL News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new JLeague 2 campaign

Sierra Leone striker Amadou Bakayoko is excited about the upcoming season in JLeague 2.

On July 28, 2024, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo announced they signed Bakayoko. He made his debut on August 16 and scored his first goal from a penalty in a 5–3 win over Sagan Tosu. Unfortunately, the team was relegated to JLeague 2 last season.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo will start their campaign away against Oita Trinita next Sunday, and Bakayoko is looking forward to it.

He is counting down the days until the season starts again. Bakayoko told FSL News, “I can’t wait for the new season to start.

With the new manager, we have a new style of play that suits me well, and I hope the team has a strong season. Our first game is on February 16, but because of the cold and snowy weather in Sapporo, we will play our first three games in Kumamoto. We will return for our first home game on March 9.

I’m happy with my preseason form, having scored three goals in three games, which is good preparation for the start of the season.”

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara has penned his first Professional contract with London club West Ham United.

The Academy midfielder recently helped the U18 team reach the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup by winning a penalty shootout against Manchester United. He signed his contract at the Chadwell Heath Academy Training Ground.

“This week has been amazing,” he said. “Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true.”

Kamara began playing for Peckham Town and was scouted while at Southend United’s Academy. After a successful trial, he joined West Ham at the U14 level and signed a full-time scholarship last summer.

“I’m thrilled because not many people from my area get this chance. I want to make the most of it,” he said, thanking his parents for their support.

At 17, Kamara has played in various positions for the U18 team, including his preferred defensive midfield role.

Kenny Brown, the Academy Manager, praised Kamara’s versatility and potential. “He understands what each position requires and performs well wherever he plays.”

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham

As a teenager, Caulker showed talent in athletics and chose to pursue football with his local club, Hounslow Borough. He initially played as a central midfielder but moved to central defence after a coach’s advice. At 15 years old, he played one match as a centre-back for Hounslow and received trial offers from seven clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Caulker joined the Tottenham Hotspur youth team, starting with the Under-18s in the 2007–08 season. In the 2008–09 season, he made 31 appearances, scored one goal, and captained the team. He also played five matches for the reserve team. His strong performance led him to sign his first professional contract with Tottenham in July 2009.

After loan spells at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, he returned to the London club on July 5, 2012, and signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, lasting until the summer of 2016.

In discussing the players at Tottenham, he highlighted Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.

The best player I’ve played with: is Gareth Bale. In the 2012-2013 season, Gareth was amazing. He kept us in the top-four race with his last-minute goals. He is very humble and a great professional.

The best player I’ve trained with: “Luka Modrić. I was 16 when I joined the first team for a training session; I was nervous. Luka walked out to training calmly. He is a fantastic player. He can see passes quickly, and his balls have perfect weight.

On training with world-class players – I have been lucky to play and train with many of the world’s best players: Steven Gerrard, Phil Coutinho, Ryan Giggs, Mesut Özil, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Sadio Mané, and Arda Güler, among others.

They all have different skills, but they share one important thing: discipline. Rio was always first in line for warm-ups. Gareth took care of his body to recover well. Ryan did yoga even at 40, and Harry always practised his finishing.

Most did not talk much in the dressing room; they let their football speak for them. I don’t think there is one way to be great, but from my experience, without discipline, few players stay at the top for long—myself included.”

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
by FSL News

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan

Casertana officially announced the loan signing of Sierra Leone’s Yayah, following the approval of Hellas Verona, the club that currently holds his registration rights.

Kallon, 23, began his football journey in Italy at Savona, where he quickly showcased his talent. His skills earned him a move to Genoa’s Primavera team, where he continued to develop as a player.

In January 2024, Kallon was loaned to Bari, where he had the opportunity to gain further experience. Last summer, he joined Salernitana, and during the first part of the current season, he appeared in 11 matches in the second division.

His impressive performances caught the attention of scouts, and in the summer of 2022, Kallon was signed by Hellas Verona. He made an instant impact at Verona by scoring his first Serie A goal on his debut against Empoli, showcasing his potential on one of the top stages of Italian football.

On May 22, 2021, he made a significant step in his career by debuting in Serie A with Genoa in a match against Cagliari, marking a milestone achievement for the young athlete.

Just a few months later, on August 13, he scored his first professional goal in the Coppa Italia, helping his team secure a victory against Perugia.

Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
Midfielder Yayah Kallon signs for Serie C club Casertana on loan
John Eustace from Rovers believes that Augustus can be a game-changer
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rovers’ John Eustace believes that Augustus can be a game-changer

Blackburn manager John Eustace is hopeful that Augustus Kargbo can make a big impact for Rovers. Kargbo is the team’s third signing of the January transfer window.

Currently sitting in fifth place as they fight for promotion to the Premier League, the Sierra Leone international joined the club from Cesena, a Serie B team in Italy, on a permanent transfer that runs until 2027. Eustace, the 25-year-old coach, believes that Kargbo has the skills needed to enhance his squad.

The fans met Kargbo before Friday night’s win against Preston North End. He may debut for Blackburn when the team plays Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night.

Eustace is happy to add more players to help score goals. Kargbo joins Adam Forshaw and Dion Sanderson as new signings.

“He brings pace and power and can play in any forward position,” Eustace said in an interview with RoversTV, highlighting Kargbo’s strengths. “We are pleased to get this signing done, and we will see what happens next.

“We want to be positive and effective in the final third of the game.

“I know the club has worked hard to bring him here, and I hope he makes a big difference.”

The former AC Reggiana 1919 attacker could make his English Championship debut on Tuesday when they face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Blackburn manager John Eustace and new acquisition Augustus Kargbo, who he believes can make a big impact for Rovers.
Blackburn manager John Eustace and new acquisition Augustus Kargbo, who he believes can make a big impact for Rovers.