Category: International, National Sport News Sierra Leone

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๐’๐‹๐…๐€'s ๐๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ž๐ง๐ญ Kamara p๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐…๐ˆ๐…๐€ ๐๐š๐๐ ๐ž๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ง๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐Ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ
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

๐‘๐ž๐Ÿ๐ž๐ซ๐ž๐ž๐ฌ
๐Ÿ. ๐”๐ฆ๐ฎ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐š๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ)
๐Ÿ. ๐‘๐š๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ ๐Œ. ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ‘. ๐€๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐š๐ญ๐š ๐…๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š๐ก (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ’. ๐’๐ฎ๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ฆ๐š๐ง ๐’. ๐Š๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐š (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’)
๐Ÿ“. ๐Œ๐จ๐ก๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐๐จ๐œ๐ค ๐“๐š๐ซ๐š๐ฐ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ (๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ”)

๐—”๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐—ณ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐˜€

๐Ÿฒ. ๐—™๐—ฎ๐˜๐—บ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฎ ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐˜€๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜† (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฎ)
๐Ÿณ. ๐—”๐—ด๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€ ๐—”. ๐—š๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ฎ (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿด. ๐— ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฑ ๐—”. ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ต (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿต. ๐—ฆ๐—ฎ๐—ต๐—ฟ ๐—”. ๐—™๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ป (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
๐Ÿญ๐Ÿฌ. ๐—”๐—น๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ฒ ๐—–๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ต (๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฑ)
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 BeลŸiktaลŸ.

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 exposureโ€”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,โ€ 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.
  • ย Advocacy: A strong voice in CAF and FIFA discussions.

Mighty Blackpoolโ€™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 โ€” 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 menโ€™s and womenโ€™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 โ€“ representing almost 25% of FIFAโ€™s 211 Member Associations โ€“ 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 menโ€™s groups and three womenโ€™s groups, with all six FIFA confederations represented, underlining the truly global nature of the FIFA Seriesโ„ข.

The confirmed hosts for the menโ€™s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan. The womenโ€™s contests will take place in Brazil, Cรดte dโ€™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
Augustus Kargbo return with injury worse than expected - Blackburn Rovers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo returns with injury worse than expected – Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn head coach Valerien Ismael has announced that Sierra Leone international Augustus Kargbo will be out for 12 weeks due to a more serious injury than initially thought, following his return from international duty.

The Blackburn Rovers striker sustained an injury while with Sierra Leone during the October break. However, he made substitute appearances in matches against Coventry and Sheffield United.

Kargbo reported ongoing pain, and a scan following the midweek match showed a tear that will keep him out for approximately three months. “Sadly, he is injured,” Ismael toldย BBC Radio Lancashire.

“He is another one. He came back from the national team with a dead leg. He played at Coventry with this discomfort and against Sheffield United.

“He was complaining, and so we did a scan on Wednesday. He had an injury, and that will rule him out for at least 12 weeks. It was very tough for us to deal with that situation again.

“It’s a tear when he got kicked, which caused the dead leg. In an area where you can’t run or sprint. It was very bad news for him and for us.”

As a result, he missed Blackburn Rovers’ first home win on Saturday and his first of more matches on the sideline.

Sierra Leone's Momoh I Kamara makes CAF Young Player of the Year Nominees
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara makes CAF Young Player of the Year shortlist

Momoh I Kamara played a crucial role in the Sierra Leone team that drew attention in the U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, as the top scorer of the competition, and a couple of personal awards.

He has been recognised for his outstanding performance in the tournament, despite Sierra Leone being knocked out by Morocco after finishing second in Group A.

His mix of calmness, strength, and accuracy helped the team reach the quarter-finals in their first tournament and made him one of Africaโ€™s best young players.

Minnesota United FC’s 2nd team in the USAโ€™s MLS NEXT Pro, Momoh I Kamara, showed brilliant and promising signs in the U20 AFCON in Egypt.

He scored three goals in one game against the host team and played well in all four matches. He also won the Player of the Group Stage and Top Scorer awards, finishing with four goals.

Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco’s Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa’s Tylon Smith and others.

Momoh I Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco's Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa's Tylon Smith and others.
Momoh I Kamara is up against tough competition from Morocco's Othmane Maama, who has been outstanding in the U20 World Cup. Morocco has triumphed over several formidable opponents, including South Africa's Tylon Smith and others.
Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Referee Mohamed Buzin Koroma to officiate Asante Kotoko tie against Wydad in Ghana

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed four referees from Sierra Leone to officiate the CAF Confederation Cup second round preliminary first leg match between Ghana's Asante Kotoko and Morocco's Wydad AC.

This contest will happen on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Asante Kotoko is expected to face a tough challenge against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg second round playoff.

The Porcupine Warriors aim to secure a strong first-leg advantage before the return match in Casablanca. Both teams possess CAF Champions League experience but are competing in this year’s Confederation Cup due to disappointing domestic performances.

Leading the officiating team as the Centre Referee (CR) is Mohamed Buzin Koroma, supported by Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) Mamoud Alie Conteh and Assistant Referee 2 (AR2) Alusine Conteh. Serving as the Reserve Referee (RR) is Rashid M. Conteh.

Wydad’s continental experience includes participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, having faced teams like Manchester City and Juventus, making them a formidable opponent.