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Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to face Oman in Fifa Series friendly opener

The schedule for the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament, set to take place in Azerbaijan, has been officially announced.

Host national teams from Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia will face off in an exciting group stage, bringing thrilling matches to fans in Azerbaijan.

Starting on March 27, West African side Sierra Leone will take on Oman for a place in the final. Both winners from opening day will move ahead to the final fight on March 30, providing a thrilling finale to the occasion.

The teams falling short in their first games, meanwhile, would fight for third-place playoff dignity. This tournament promises to highlight several talents and strengthen international friendships.

All FIFA Series 2026 encounters will be broadcast and made available to a global audience, ensuring worldwide visibility for participating national teams and increasing access for fans across all regions.

The match schedule of the tournament: 

March 27

15:00. Oman vs Sierra Leone

Dalga Arena

19:00. Azerbaijan vs Saint Lucia

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium

March 30

15:00. Third place match (losing teams)

  • Dalga Arena

19:00. Final (winners)

  • Mehdi Huseynzada Sumgayit City Stadium
Ex-Sierra Leone skipper Caulker pens Assistant first-team Coach deal at Konyaspor
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone skipper Caulker pens Assistant first-team Coach deal at Konyaspor

Ex-Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker has officially joined Süper Lig club Konyaspor as an assistant head coach under İlhan Palut.

The club announced, “Caulker has signed a contract with us and will be part of the technical staff alongside our Head Coach İlhan Palut as an assistant coach.”

Caulker began his football journey in the Tottenham youth academy and has since played over 100 Premier League matches for renowned teams such as Liverpool, Southampton, and Cardiff City.

In addition to his Premier League experience, Steven Caulker has also represented several Süper Lig teams, including Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, Gaziantep FK, and Karagümrük.

Most recently, in 2025, he took on a dual role as both player and assistant coach for the Icelandic club Stjarnan.

Caulker, who represented England in 2012 before switching allegiance to Sierra Leone in 2021, played an instrumental role in the Leone Stars’ revival with eighteen caps.

His three-year stint saw him captain the team and was part of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, their first appearance in the tournament in over 25 years.

Kailahun Town Chief pours libation to begin Dr Saffa Abdulai's artificial turf distribution
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kailahun Town Chief pours libation to begin Dr Saffa Abdulai’s artificial turf distribution

Town Chief Alpha Bingo Ndolleh emphasised the importance of the initiative for heritage, divine and ancestral blessings during the libation ritual at Kailahun Mini Stadium. He observed the once-decaying area would be a little stadium on Sunday.

National Stadium Manager Paul Damulay expressed appreciation to Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the NSA Executive Director, for seeing local training in the installation of the synthetic turf. Caretaker Saidu Daboh stated the endeavour was a long-awaited dream and lauded President Bio’s selection of Dr Abdulai.

While Chairman Ahmed Kekeh Sahr Lamin presented ideas for a vocational college in cooperation with Dr Abdulai, Secretary General of the Kailahun District Descendant Association, Nasiru Deen Koroma recognised the years of work to improve the area.

Dr Abdulai stated that President Bio would officially launch the stadium following the turf installation and underlined the community’s ownership of the project, financed from his own funds.

Highlighting the progress achieved under Saffa’s direction at NSA, MP Sarty Banya urged for ongoing upkeep of the project. Philip Foday Momoh of the Kailahun District Football Association noted Dr Abdulai’s love of football.

Former MP Madam Navo Kaikai praised Dr Abdulai’s commitment to the community and pledged assistance for a basic pavilion with restrooms.

𝐒𝐋𝐅𝐀's 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 Kamara p𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
by Football Sierra Leone

SLFA president Kamara presents FIFA Badges to officials

Five referees and assistant referees who would referee international games in 2026 received FIFA badges from Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Mr. Babadi Kamara.

On Wednesday, February 4, at the SLFA Headquarters in Kingtom, the event began. This event is central to the Association’s efforts to raise Sierra Leone’s visibility in international football and to raise match refereeing.

FIFA released a list of international match officials for the year, including five centre referees and five assistant referees from Sierra Leone, so the presentation came after that. The six males and four women chosen demonstrate SLFA’s dedication to including women and fostering female referees throughout the nation.

President Babadi Kamara of SLFA praised them for their accomplishments in his remarks and urged them to uphold strict moral, fairness, and professionalism.

He underlined the need of openness, discipline, and excellence in umpiring. He pointed out that their conduct on the field mirrors not only who they are but also the state of Sierra Leonean football globally.

Praising the officials for their efforts and commitment, the Sierra Leone Football Association wished them luck as they represent Sierra Leone in international football competitions.

Listed are the FIFA International Match Officials

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬
𝟏. 𝐔𝐦𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐)
𝟐. 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐌. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟑. 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟒. 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐒. 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
𝟓. 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)

𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀

𝟲. 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘆 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮)
𝟳. 𝗔𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗔. 𝗚𝗯𝗹𝗮 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟴. 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗔. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗵 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟵. 𝗦𝗮𝗵𝗿 𝗔. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
𝟭𝟬. 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗵 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱)
Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone FA appoints Secretary General and Assistant

Mohamed Benson Bawoh has been appointed as the new General Secretary of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), with Ishmail Saidu Kanu serving as the Deputy General Secretary. Both appointments take effect immediately.

This decision followed a meeting of the SLFA Executive Committee, which emphasized the Association’s commitment to enhancing its administrative framework and ensuring effective football management throughout the country.

In a statement, the Executive Committee expressed confidence in the leadership qualities and professional experience of both individuals, highlighting that their roles will be crucial in advancing the Association’s strategic objectives and ongoing football development initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of their contributions to the growth of football in Sierra Leone, the SLFA extended warm wishes to Mr. Bawoh and Mr. Kanu as they embark on their new roles.

by Football Sierra Leone

Star Sport Academy is in talks regarding a collaboration with Besiktas

After an official visit to Turkey, Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with top officials of the prestigious club Besiktas, marking a significant step toward international collaboration.

Productive meetings were held with club leaders during the visit, including Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy, and Yagiz Berke, Director of External Relations, which helped to get a possible cooperation between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.

Long-term football growth, talent development, and knowledge sharing are among the goals of this possible cooperation.

Once completed, the collaboration is anticipated to provide fresh avenues for young athletes, coaching education, and worldwide exposure—a significant turning point in Star Sport Academy’s goal of worldwide athletic greatness.

Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Serdar Topaktepe, Director of Academy - Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Star Sport Academy Chairman Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally met with the Turkish prestigious club Besiktas
Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course
by Football Sierra Leone

Four Coach Educators from Liberia to lead a CAF D Diploma coaching course

The Liberia FA has confirmed that following a formal request from the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), four of their qualified Coach Educators will travel to Sierra Leone to help with CAF D License training.

Ten days over four locations will constitute the course’s span. The LFA confirmed that the delegation comprising Kesselee King Kanneh, Roberts N. Lartey, James Salinsa Debbah, and Sergeant Alhajee Omar Konneh will help to run a rigorous CAF D License Diploma coaching course.

This is a major stride for regional football growth and technical collaboration between the two Member Associations.

With a curriculum combining theoretical classroom teaching with on-field practical sessions, covering basic methods, tactics, and player management for young athletes, the CAF License D is an entry-level coaching qualification for grassroots and kids’ football.

Mighty Blackpool FC Joins African Club Association (ACA)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mighty Blackpool Joins African Club Association (ACA)

One of Sierra Leone's most decorated football club's, Mighty Blackpool has announced its membership in the African Club Association (ACA).

This milestone signifies the club’s commitment to excellence and active participation in the African football community.

The ACA promotes improved football standards across Africa. “Joining the ACA aligns with our vision for integrity and innovation,” stated Rodney Michael, Chairman of Mighty Blackpool FC. He encourages other Premier League and Division 1 teams to join as well.

Benefits of ACA Membership: Mighty Blackpool FC will gain:

  • Continental Representation: Influence on football policies and reforms.
    -Capacity Building: Access to training and support for leaders and coaches.
  • Commercial Opportunities: Enhanced visibility for sponsorships and partnerships.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Collaboration with other clubs on governance and youth development.
  •  Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpool’s ACA membership represents a commitment to modern management, financial transparency, and youth development, aiming to elevate Sierra Leonean football on the African stage.

African Club Association is the united voice of clubs across the continent.

ACA brings together men’s and women’s clubs of all sizes from across the continent — with the mission of helping every member club grow and develop, while ensuring that, collectively, clubs are central to decision-making on the regional and global football stages.

We will always be shaped by the collective, where the superstar is the badge on the front of the shirt.

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone set to compete in FIFA Series 2026

Sierra Leone will face host nation Azerbaijan, Oman, and St Lucia in this year's FIFA series.

Forty-eight national teams from all six FIFA confederations are set to compete, representing almost a quarter of the global football community. Eleven FIFA Member Associations to host 12 groups, engaging both men’s and women’s national teams.

Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing in 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April.

With 48 participating teams – representing almost 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations – nearly a quarter of the global football community will take part in the FIFA Series.

Eleven FIFA Member Associations will host the series of events, with Rwanda hosting two groups, bringing the total number of groups to 12.

The initiative will include nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Series™.

The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will take place in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire and Thailand.

Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.

Bo Rangers host Star Sport Academy in pre-season friendy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers to host Star Sport Academy in pre-season friendly

On Thursday, the Star Sport Academy will take on the Bo Rangers in an exhilarating training match as both teams prepare for the upcoming 2025/2026 Sierra Leone Premier League season.

The contest is set to begin at 4 PM at the Bo Coronation field. Under Coach Amidu Karim’s leadership, the team will start preparing for the upcoming season by facing off against the former champions, Bo Rangers.

This match presents an excellent opportunity for Coach Karim to assess some of the talented newcomers he has added to the squad as they work to establish a solid foundation for the season ahead.

The matchup not only promises to challenge some of the recently signed players but also gives them a chance to demonstrate their skills as the team gears up for the new campaign.

The contest is set to begin at 4 PM at the Bo Coronation field
The contest is set to begin at 4 PM at the Bo Coronation field