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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. 

Sierra Leone U20 set for Zonal tournament in Liberia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone U20 set for Zonal tournament in Liberia

Sierra Leone’s National Under-20 Football Team, Shooting Stars, has begun training for the U20 Zonal Tournament in Monrovia, Liberia.

With a 26-man squad, the team is focused on showcasing their talent on the regional stage. The tournament is scheduled from February 17th to February 25th, 2024.

The young talents are undergoing intensive training sessions on a state-of-the-art artificial turf pitch. Experienced coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara is leading the team with the support of SLFA’s Youth Football Coordinator, Alimamy Kurash Conteh.

The tournament presents an opportunity for players to gain invaluable experience and catch the eye of scouts and talent spotters.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 – National News

The tournament is scheduled from February 17th to February 25th, 2024.
The tournament is scheduled from February 17th to February 25th, 2024.
Sierra Leone chart football among development objectives
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone chart football among development objectives

During the launch of the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program in Makeni, Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima explained that football is taking the lead in enhancing the Government’s Five Game Changers, including feeding Sierra Leone, human capital development, and youth employment.

The SLFA (Sierra Leone Football Association) has initiated the FIFA Football for School Program. As a part of the program, they have trained 50 Physical Education Teachers.

This program aims to make football more accessible to boys and girls across Sierra Leone by including football activities in the country’s school system. The Minister cited the Sierra Leone Football artificial turf projects as a success.

The Minister mentioned that the government is eager to increase the availability of facilities, particularly job opportunities for young individuals. The experts involved in the program will teach at schools and provide additional training to children during after-school hours.

She firmly believes that the ongoing projects will positively impact Sierra Leone and its people. She thinks that children who participate in football at a tender age will develop physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, and socially. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize football at the school level, where players can be introduced to the sport at a very young age and be inspired to become lifelong players. This will enable them to gain a comprehensive understanding of football and ensure the sustainability of the sport itself.

“The government is committed to the growth of sports and is working on putting modalities in place to enhance football participation in the country. Madam James-Teima believes that sport is life and, if done correctly, can make Sierra Leone a developed nation.”

She ended her speech by promising to continue working with the Minister of Basic Education to train children for the future. The government will ensure that what is given for sport in schools is used for sport exclusively.

The SLFA (Sierra Leone Football Association) has initiated the FIFA Football for School Program. As a part of the program, they have provided training to 50 Physical Education Teachers.
The SLFA (Sierra Leone Football Association) has initiated the FIFA Football for School Program. As a part of the program, they have provided training to 50 Physical Education Teachers.
Bo Ranger suffer first home & league defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers suffer first home defeat of the season

On Sunday, East End Lions defeated the league leaders Bo Rangers 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City to stop the Elephants’ unbeaten record at home.

Despite the defeat, the Southern Province and reigning champions still top the summit with 29 points from 13 matches played in this campaign.

They suffered their second defeat of the season – having lost 1-0 to Bai Bureh Warriors in December 2023.

Yakuba Koroma scored the only goal for the Killers, securing their third win of the season. As a result, EE Lions moved up three places to eleventh in the Premier League with 16 points.

The last time Bo Rangers lost a home match was on March 5th 2022, when Ports Authority defeated the defending champions 1-0. Mohamed Bangura scored for the Water Front Boys.

On the same day, there were several football matches played in Sierra Leone. Freetonians SLIFA defeated Kahunla Rangers 1-0, Bai Bureh Warriors and Luawa FC drew 0-0, Bhantal FC won 1-0 against FC Kallon, and Kholifa Stars won 3-0 against Ports Authority.

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. 

Sierra Leone wrap up training for Ivory Coast friendly.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone wrap up training for Ivory Coast friendly

The Sierra Leone side, predominantly local stars, concluded its training at San Pedro field as they ready to tackle Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast on Saturday.

The newly built 20,000-seater Laurent Pokou Stadium will host the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone encounter on January 6 ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Skipper of Leone Stars, Kwame Quee, acknowledged that it is going to be difficult but added, “They are determined to make a difference in their friendly with Ivory Coast tomorrow.

“Even though football has three aspects; win, lose or draw but we are ready to win the match.”

Head coach Alhaji Foray said he has good players who are well-focused and ready to showcase their talents. He expressed optimism going into tomorrow’s fixture.

Foray added that the match is very important for them as a team, noting that it gives opportunities to the players to prepare for the CHAN competition and the upcoming matches in the AFCON qualifiers in March.

The host will test against Sierra Leone as they prepare for the 34th edition of AFCON to run from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.

Both sides played to a 2-2 draw in the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the Stade de Japoma, Douala 16, January 2022, but they thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group D at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan in 2014.

In Group A, the Ivorians are to start their Afcon campaign against  Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on January 13 before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their second match.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News, Ivory Coast.

East End Lions strengthen squad with Ghana-born Samuel Armah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

East End Lions strengthen squad with Ghana-born Samuel Armah

East End Lions have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian-born striker Samuel Armah days after they acquired another Ghanaian, Isaac Kofi Sarfo, as head coach.

The Eastern giant club has said their new talented striker, formerly showcasing his prowess with Legon Cities FC, the 2016 Ghana Premier League Champions.

Samuel is only 23 and has a wealth of top striker experience.

After a difficult start to their campaign, Lions will be hoping their former Inter Allies, Accra Great Olympics man, is set to revamp their attacking force.

Meanwhile, last month, they sacked coach Charlie Wright following a defeat to Ports Authority, their first defeat in seven Sierra Leone Premier League games.

The Lions stand 15th on eight points after nine league games thus far, a statistic that doesn’t go down well with the club’s management.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Premier League and East End Lions. 

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.

Sierra Leone suffer third straight defeat to Liberia in U17 MRU Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone suffer third straight defeat to Liberia in U17 MRU Cup

Sierra Leone suffered a third-straight defeat after another 3-2 scoreline to Liberia at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

On Saturday, Liberia defeated their Sierra Leonean counterpart 3-2 in the 2023 Mano River Union Men’s Under-17 Peace Cup encounter. 

It was a third straight defeat for the Sierra Leone U17 side following a 6-2 thrashing on Wednesday and a 3-2 defeat on Thursday in the opening two matches, respectively.

Emmanuel Sieh’s brace and Alhaji Samukai scored another to give the host a 3 -1 lead into the break at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Sierra Leone Idrissa Swarray pulled one back late in the 88th minute, but was not enough to get at least a draw.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone to host Liberia in the final match at the Tusa Field. In this tie, they will be playing for pride after losing all three matches in the competition.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, African News, Mano River Union Men’s and U17 Sierra Leone News. 

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Laurent Pokou Stadium to host Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone friendly 

The newly built 20,000-seater Laurent Pokou Stadium will host an Ivory Coast friendly match against Sierra Leone on January 6 ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Sierra Leone Football Association announced the friendly on Wednesday.

Ivory Coast initially arranged to face the Mambas of Mozambique, but the Mozambicans withdrew in November.

Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man sqaud predominately home-based players for the duel.

The host will test against Sierra Leone as they prepare for the 34th edition of AFCON to run from 13 January to 11 February 2024 in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.

Both sides played to a 2-2 draw in the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon at the Stade de Japoma, Douala 16, January 2022, but they thrashed Sierra Leone 5-1 during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Group D at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan in 2014.

In Group A, the Ivorians are to start their Afcon campaign against  Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on January 13 before facing the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their second match.

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

Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man squad predominately home-based players for the duel.
Sierra Leone will travel with a 21-man squad predominately home-based players for the duel.