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FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon Bans Players from Community Football to Safeguard Fitness and Performance

One of Sierra Leone’s 18 participating top-tier men’s outfits, FC Kallon has barred its registered players from participating in community football competitions across Sierra Leone, in a move aimed at protecting player welfare and reinforcing professional standards.

The decision, made public on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, takes immediate effect and prohibits players from featuring in inter-area leagues, local galas, and grassroots tournaments nationwide.

Club officials said the directive is designed to minimise injury risks associated with unsanctioned matches played outside the club’s professional framework, risks that could disrupt both individual careers and the team’s competitive ambitions.

Under the policy, players are restricted to officially recognised competitions, including the Leone Rock Premier League and the Sierra Leone FA Cup. The club warned that breaches of the directive will attract disciplinary action, including fines and possible suspension.

The move reflects a growing trend among professional clubs to tighten control over player activity beyond official fixtures, particularly in football environments where informal competitions remain a central part of community life.

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalize a Beşiktaş agreement
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Representatives from Star Sport arrived in Turkey to finalise Beşiktaş agreement

The delegation from Star Sport Academy, led by Chairman and Founder Ing. Yankuba Jusu Tarawally, along with CEO Mohamed Jusu Tarawally, has successfully arrived in Istanbul.

Their visit aims to finalise a significant agreement with Beşiktaş, one of Turkey’s premier football clubs. This trip follows extensive discussions that our Chairman initiated in February with Beşiktaş officials.

During his earlier visit, he had fruitful meetings with key club members, including Serdar Topaktepe, the Director of the Academy, and Yagiz Berke, the Director of External Relations.

The team comprises manager Musa Pokawa, head of scouting and recruitment Alimamy Conteh, and Victor Lewis, who chairs the Youth Division One team.

These ongoing talks have paved the way for a promising partnership between Star Sport Academy and Beşiktaş.

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit

Less than 100 hours after the dismissal of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national team, the Leone Stars, his assistant, Paul Augustine Kpaka, has publicly reacted, offering a cryptic yet poignant response that has stirred public debate.

Taking to his official Facebook page on Easter Monday, April 6, Kpaka, himself a former international striker, shared a biblical quotation from the Gospel of Mark: “A prophet is treated with honor everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.”

Though brief, the message has been widely interpreted as a veiled commentary on the abrupt termination of Kallon’s tenure by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) on April 2. Kallon, who remains one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated football figures, was relieved of his duties in an April 2, 2026, SLFA decision that has since triggered intense public reaction across the football community.

His dismissal has since dominated headlines and sparked widespread discourse about the direction of the national team. However, his former assistant coach,e Paul Augustine Kpaka’s post quickly gained traction online, with supporters and followers flooding the comment section.

Many viewed the statement as a show of solidarity with Kallon, interpreting it as a reflection on the perceived lack of appreciation for local football icons. Others expressed optimism, suggesting that both men could emerge stronger from the setback.

The fact that the timing of the Kpaka’s message coincided with Easter Monday, a period often associated with reflection and renewal, added further symbolic weight to his words. When contacted for comment, the SLFA’s media department had since declined to address the matter, stating only that they would not respond at this time.

Neither Kallon nor Kpaka has issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the sacking. However, the unfolding reactions underscore the emotional and cultural significance of football in Sierra Leone, where the fortunes of the national team remain closely tied to national pride.

As speculation continues over the future of the Leone Stars and the next steps for both Kallon and his former assistant, Kpaka’s carefully chosen words have ensured that the conversation remains far from over.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon

The Sierra Leone Football Association has terminated the services of head coach Mohamed Kallon just over a year after his appointment, effective immediately.

According to the SLFA, this decision follows a resolution passed by its Executive Committee in the lawful exercise of its statutory and administrative mandate, leading to the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon’s role as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team.

The former striker for Inter Milan and Monaco was appointed on February 12, 2025. His dismissal comes just after the FIFA international friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday, where the Leone Stars lost in a penalty shootout after the home team came from behind to win 9-8 on penalties.

Kallon’s tenure as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team marked his first significant coaching role. His primary objective was to guide the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; however, they ultimately finished third, falling short behind Burkina Faso.

During the World Cup qualifiers, the Leone Stars had a mixed performance, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw across six matches.

Before this, Kallon led his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they faced elimination at the hands of Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

KaLlon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties

At the Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu in Sumqayıt, host Azerbaijan won 9-8 on penalties after battling to a 1–1 draw over 90 minutes with Sierra Leone in an international friendly on March 30, 2026.

Forward Daniel Kanu put Sierra Leone ahead with a composed finish, assisted by Barnet player Idriss Kanu, marking an important moment for the young striker on the international stage.

Azerbaijan responded later in the match, equalising through Rahil Mammadov to ensure both sides shared the spoils. The contest was competitive, with both teams creating chances and testing each other’s defences throughout.

Several players made their debut, including Mamadou Wurie, a young goalkeeper currently with VPS in Finland’s Veikkausliiga. Yayah Kallon plays in Italy’s Serie C with Casertana FC, and former U20 defender Alpha Kabia is with Minnesota 2 in the USA.

The result reflects a balanced encounter and provides valuable experience for both squads as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions and future fixtures.

Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
Azerbaijan defeat Sierra Leone in FIFA series friendly on penalties
Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Seven foreign-based players arrive for FIFA Series test against Azerbaijan

Seven foreign-based players have joined the Leone Stars in Azerbaijan on Monday as they prepare to face host Azerbaijan on March 30 at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium.

Sullay Kaikia, Yayah Kallon, Juma Bah, Idris Kanu, Kamil Conteh, Daniel Kanu and Jay Tee Kamara were all spotted on Camera as the delegates arrived safely.

Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed a format change and timing of the FIFA Series 2026 international tournament to be held in Azerbaijan have been altered following Oman’s national team’s withdrawal.

Because of rising military tensions in the Middle East, Oman won’t travel to Azerbaijan.

According to the new framework negotiated with FIFA, the competition will now be made up of two games instead of its intended schedule.

March 27 marks Azerbaijan’s contest against Saint Lucia; March 30 sees Sierra Leone. With a 7 p.m. local kickoff, both matches will take place at Sumgayit’s Mehdi Huseynzada Stadium.

Sierra Leone edge Ethiopia in Group A World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone named a strong squad for FIFA Series in Azerbaijan

A total of nineteen foreign-based players have been selected for Sierra Leone’s FIFA Series matches this month, which include friendly encounters against Oman and Azerbaijan set to take place in Baku on March 27 and 30.

Notable players in the squad include Crystal Palace’s rising star Hindolo Mustapha, currently on loan to West Brom, Mustapha Bundu from German side Hannover, inform striker Daniel Kanu, who has recorded sixteen goals across thirty-eight for Walsall so far this season, Sullay Kaikai from Cambridge United, Juma Bah of Nice, and Amadou Bakayoko, who is competing in the J2 League. These strong selections highlight the promising talent available for the upcoming matches.

The upcoming friendly matches will feature an exciting group stage with host nations Azerbaijan, Sierra Leone, Oman, and Saint Lucia, delighting fans in Azerbaijan.

On March 27, Sierra Leone will take on Oman in a critical match that will decide which team moves forward to the finals. The winners of this opening clash will face off on March 30 for the championship, promising an electrifying finish to the tournament.

Meanwhile, the teams that don’t secure victory in their first matches will battle it out for third place, adding an extra layer of competition. This tournament aims to showcase emerging talents while promoting international camaraderie.

All FIFA Series 2026 matches will be broadcast worldwide, ensuring that fans from every corner of the globe can tune in and support their national teams, while also shining a spotlight on the nations involved.

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

Full Squad listed

Goalkeepers

Alhaji Sesay, Francis Koroma, Mamadou Jalloh

Defenders

Abdulai Juma Bah, Abdul Jarju Kabia, Alpha Turay, Nathaniel Jalloh, Citta Bah, Sallieu Tarawalie, Emmanuel Sahr Samadia, Idris Kanu

Midfielders

Kamil Conteh, John Billi Sesay, Alhassan Koroma, Saidu Fofanah, Santigie Fornah, Hindolo Mustapha, Mustapha Bundu, Kwame Quee

Forwards

Amadou Bakayoko, Yayah Kallon, Samuel Ghandi, John Thomas Kamara, Daniel Kanu, Sullay Borbor Kaikai 

David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC
by Football Sierra Leone

David Simbo makes Lions debut in win over FCFC

Veteran defender David Simbo made his debut for the East End Lions in their 2-0 triumph over Freetown City on Saturday.

In the first 45 minutes, Simbo demonstrated his worth on the field only a week after joining the club on a one-year agreement. Attacker Kwame Quee scored their first before Mohamed Fogbawa wrapped the win up with a second.

Simbo’s defensive ability was instrumental in making sure his team was secure in the opening half of the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League.

His presence in the backline not only strengthened the team’s defence but also assisted their general strategy, helping to restrain Freetown City’s aggressive assaults.

Simbo’s first effort establishes a good tone for his future with the team as East End Lions strive to rise in the league rankings. Following a difficult first round, the victory brought E E Lions to eight.

Former Allenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Allsvenskan top striker Mohamed Buya Turay joins Star Sport

Former top goal scorer in Sweden, Mohamed Buya Turay, has officially joined Star Sport Academy, bringing with him a wealth of invaluable experience. “We’re thrilled to welcome Mohamed to Star Sport Academy,” said Chairman Ing, Yankuba Jusu Tarawally.

“He’s a dynamic attacking player with remarkable speed and an impressive presence in front of the goal.” As the newest addition to the team, the striker will don the number 95 jersey. Turay, originally from Sierra Leone, began his career with the local club FC Mattia.

He made his professional debut in 2014 when he signed with Juventus IF, a club in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. During his time there, Buya made 25 appearances and found the back of the net 32 times.

Turay quickly advanced up the ranks and played for three different clubs in Sweden’s second-tier league, namely Västerås SK, AFC Eskilstuna, and Dalkurd FF, from 2014 to 2018.

In 2018, he signed with the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Sint-Truiden, but was loaned out to Djurgarden IF in Sweden’s Allsvenskan in 2019. During his stint at Djurgarden, Turay made 29 appearances and scored 15 goals, which earned him the prestigious Golden Boot award in Allsvenskan.

After his loan at Djurgarden, Turay transitioned to the Chinese Super League, first joining Hebei China Fortune in 2020 and later signing with Henan Songshan Longmen.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.

Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
Now, the Sierra Leone international is back home and ready to embark on a new adventure with Star Sport Academy.
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