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East End Lions crowned Sierra Leone league Champions

East End Lions crowned Sierra Leone 24/25 League Champions

East End Lions has been crowned champions of the Sierra Leone Premier League for the TENTH time as per records available since 1980 after an exciting 1-1 draw with Stars Sports Academy on Monday.

As a result, they have become the most decorated club in the country’s history for domestic titles. Their last championship win was in 2019 when they finished unbeaten.

The trophy and medals were presented by SLFA President Babadi Kamara at the Approved School Field in Freetown. The Lions secured the title with a total of 69 points before the match.

President Kamara highlighted the season’s sportsmanship, thanked sponsors, and emphasised the government’s supportive role in football.

A cash prize of Le 500,000 was awarded to the champions, promoting accountability and timely rewards in football. East End Lions will represent Sierra Leone in the CAF Champions League, while runners-up Bhantal FC will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Scheduled for September, East End Lions — the representative from Sierra Leone for this year’s CAF Champions League- is to meet the Tunisian team US Monastir in the preliminary round.

They’ll start the preliminary round hosting the first leg during the weekend of September 19-2,1, before they travel to Tunisia for the return leg planned between September 26-28.

The teams that come out on top from this first round will move on to the Second Preliminary Round, set for October 17–19, with the return fixtures scheduled from October 24–26. The stakes are great, and as spectators eagerly wait to see how this chapter develops in the renowned continental contest, excitement grows.

Read Related – East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

Records available of Sierra Leone Premier League Championships (36) since 1980:

13 East End Lions Football Club, Sierra Leone’s most decorated

( 1980, 1985, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2025)

6 Mighty Blackpool

1988, 1991 [league abandoned, Blackpool awarded title], 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001

3 Bo Rangers FC

3 Kallon FC (includes Sierra Fisheries)

3 Ports Authority Football Club

3 Real Republicans

2 Diamond Stars (Kono)

2 Old Edwardians

1 Freetown United

East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

East End Lions return to CAF Champions League against US Monastir

Scheduled for September, East End Lions — the representative from Sierra Leone for this year’s CAF Champions League- is to meet the Tunisian team US Monastir in the preliminary round.

The draw was carried out at the Azam Media Studios in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and was broadcast live on CAF’s official YouTube channel, CAF TV, last Saturday.

Asante Kotoko won on a walkover after East End Lions withdrew ahead of the 2015 CAF Champions League competition.

They’ll start the preliminary round hosting the first leg during the weekend of September 19-21 before they travel to Tunisia for the return leg planned between September 26-28.

The teams that come out on top from this first round will move on to the Second Preliminary Round, set for October 17–19, with the return fixtures scheduled from October 24–26. The stakes are great, and as spectators eagerly wait to see how this chapter develops in the renowned continental contest, excitement grows.

Bhantal set to make CAF Confederation Cup debut against HAFIA FC

Bhantal set to make CAF Confederation Cup debut against Hafia FC

The Sierra Leone representative for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup, Bhantal FC, is set to face the Guinean side Hafia FC in the preliminary round in September.

The draw was conducted at the Azam Media Studios in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and was streamed on CAF’s Official YouTube channel, CAF TV on Saturday.

In just two seasons since their arrival in the Sierra Leone top-flight, Bhantal FC has made significant progress to qualify for the continental stage, having registered as the runners-up for the 2024/25 campaign.

The preliminary rounds over two legs on the weekends of 19–21 September and 26–28 September 2025. Victors will continue to the Second phase of the competition starting from 17–19 October, the return legs taking place a week thereafter from 24–26 October.

Ram Kamara FC record first win in WAFU A CAF Champions League qualifiers

Ram Kamara FC record first win in WAFU A women’s Champions League qualifiers

On Friday, Sierra Leone’s reigning Women’s Premier League champions, RAM Kamara FC, proudly recorded their first victory against the Malian squad USFAS on their debut trip in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU A qualifiers now taking place in Senegal.

Under the brilliant lights of the Annexe Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, their Malian opponents fought vehemently, but Ram Kamara demonstrated why they are the winners from Sierra Leone.

Mariam Jumu’s one goal in their second tournament helped them to get top points. She was named Women of the Match –  Four points were earned from two games as a result of their opoening draw with Liberian side Determin Girls on Tuesday.

As a result, they secured four points from two games after their opoening draw with Liberian side Determin Girls on Tuesday.

Their next match is against Berewuleng FC on Monday at the same veunue. Meanwhile, Berewulend FC suffered a 2-1 opening defeat to Aigles Medina on Friday

Ram Kamara's Mariam Jumu was named Women of the Match
Ram Kamara's Mariam Jumu was named Women of the Match
East End Lions and Bhantal FC to know continental opponent on Saturday

East End Lions and Bhantal FC to know continental opponents on Saturday

Sierra Leone’s East End Lions and Bhantal FC will learn their CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup rivals during the Preliminary Draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

One of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs, East End Lions, is not a stranger to inter-club competition, but Bhantal will be making their debut on the continental stage after two season of gaining promotion to the top-flight.

The draw is set for Saturday, August 9, at 1:00 p.m. local time (10:00 a.m. GMT) and will be streamed live on CAF’s YouTube channel.

“From our first steps in the Sierra Leone Premier League to securing a coveted spot in the CAF Inter Clubs Competitions, the journey of Bhantal FC is nothing short of inspirational,” Bhantal FC noted.

This occasion ushers in what promises to be another thrilling season of Africa’s top club tournaments—the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

The Preliminary Round is scheduled to kick off on 19 September 2025, followed by the Second Preliminary Round starting on 17 October 2025.

The Group Stage of both the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will begin on 21 November 2025, with the knockout phase set to commence on 13 March 2026.

Continuing the success of prior draws conducted in television studios, CAF’s strategic partner in the area, Azam Media, will host the Draw in its facilities.

Along Canal+, CAF has held draws at SuperSport and beIN Sports studios, two of the important allies in advancing the growth of interclub events.

East Africa is still showing strong increases in the total viewership for both the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Ram Kamara and Determine Girls share opening spoils

On Tuesday, Sierra Leone’s RAM Kamara FC, the reigning champions of the Women’s Premier League, proudly embarked on their inaugural journey in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU A qualifiers, currently underway in Senegal.

Under the bright lights of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, a fiercely contested clash unfolded against Liberia’s Determined Girls FC, culminating in a hard-fought goalless draw.

Despite the stalemate, Diatta Langama of the Determine Girls shone brightly with her remarkable performance, earning the coveted Woman of the Match award.

Earlier in the day, in an exhilarating opener of the qualifying rounds, USFAS emerged triumphant by besting Aigles de la Medina with a commanding score of 2-0, setting the stage for thrilling competition ahead.

Ram Kamara FC’s next match is against USFAS Bamako as Aigles de la Medina take on Berewulend FC at the same venue on Friday.

No financial indiscipline under my watch - Babadi Kamara

No financial indiscipline under my watch – Babadi Kamara

Among other things, President Babadi Kamara of the Sierra Leone Football Association has vowed to work in the best interest of the country and to partner with all significant stakeholders to create a better future. Under his leadership, he says there would be no financial indiscipline.

In an exclusive interview with AYV News Live, he emphasised his commitment to development across the board. Here is a breakdown of pivotal answers during his first public appearnce since the elective congress Interview!!!

On revamping the secretariat of the SLFA, Babadi confirmed that the FA’s secretariat would undergo a significant transformation. “When you travel to the secretariats of other member associations and return home to see the current state of affairs, you have to ask yourself, ‘What have we been doing as a nation?’ The present condition of the FA’s compound is extremely poor, raising many questions about the previous leadership.

However, we need to move forward and explore ways to improve. I, along with my executive team, will work to give the FA a face that reflects the dignity of Sierra Leoneans. I believe we will collaborate with stakeholders to achieve this.”

On Election Day, reported allegations of malpractice. When asked about alleged malpractices surrounding the elections, he addressed the issue succinctly. “Elections worldwide face challenges, so the SLFA is no exception. However, one good thing is that we all went through the same process in terms of nominations. Speaking about voting was done openly in front of everyone.

On playing the First and Second Division Leagues – He was confident about the possibility of playing both the National Senior League and Division One football simultaneously. “Some nations are entering a new season, while Sierra Leone still plays; that is not something we can settle for anymore. We have to play football in line with international best practices and in line with the International transfer market.

On Academies Development – He emphasised the importance of developing football academies across Sierra Leone and stated he will personally look into this area. He also encouraged other passionate Sierra Leoneans to contribute to football development through academies.

Issues on Women’s League Upgrading  – One of the biggest gaps between male and female leagues is financial equity. And I am very sure that when they give seed money to teams before this time, the Premier League teams get more than what they gave to female teams and for me, the process of playing football is the same.

On Accountability and Financial Discipline When Asked – Financial discipline is my strength of competence when it comes to money. I did not come to become SLFA’s president for a living – when you go as a worker making a living from football, then there is going to be a serious challenge.

My main objective for becoming the president of the SLFA is not for personal gain, but to serve my nation. Therefore, regarding the issue of integrity in financial matters, you can judge me by my words: there will be no financial malpractices during my time in office.

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA's president

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA’s president

Business mogul and football philanthropist Babadi Kamara has been chosen as the new Sierra Leone FA President following hours of constitutional debates. He was duly elected on Saturday at Port Loko, Lungi’s Gateway Hotel in Sierra Leone.

Given the events that occurred today during the congress, the newly elected President, Kamara, must gather all significant Sierra Leoneans to join him and his group in addressing the current crisis surrounding the country’s football.

As the Sierra Leone Police forcibly ejected SLIFA FC owner Benjamin Gordon Esq from the hall, evidence of a growing crisis inside the football fraternity became clear. With 43 votes, Kamara defeated his nearest competitor, the female aspirant Aminata Bangura, who got 11 votes.

Kamara will be in office for four years, during which he is expected to revolutionise the football scene. With the absence of two representatives leaving the hall, Ethics Committee Chairman Mohamed Bainda declared that a total of 55 votes had been recorded.

Present at the congress were FIFA observers Ahmed Mohamed Mokhtar and Mohamed Khaled Amin Elshawarby from Egypt. Sierra Leone Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and National Sport and National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai were among the guests.

Alie Badara Tarawallie, the current Mayor of Port Loko, has been voted Vice President 1, while Prince Kai Saquee has been elected Vice President 2. The elected Executive Committee members are Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Kweku Lisk, and Haja Ramatulai Kamara.

New dates confirmed for Sierra Leone Premier League (1)

Sierra Leone football needs vision, strategy and competence

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) needs leadership that combines vision, strategy, and integrity—especially now, amid serious governance challenges.

I firmly believe that Sierra Leone has the potential to become a world-class football nation. Sadly, none of the current candidates in this election cycle have presented a clear or compelling vision for the future of our football. Our sports journalists also play a crucial role.

They must refrain from taking sides and instead uphold their responsibility to the public by interviewing candidates and asking them the tough, critical questions. It is deeply concerning that, throughout this campaign, none of the candidates have participated in a public interview or press engagement, with the sole exception of the outgoing president, who has since been disqualified.

As a nation, we are incredibly passionate about football, and our players are naturally gifted. There is no reason why football in Sierra Leone should not evolve into a revenue-generating, self-sustaining industry. With that in mind, I sincerely hope for a peaceful and transparent election today.

I also urge everyone to support whoever emerges as the winner, because our football cannot afford yet another setback. We are already several years behind where we should be.

To truly unlock football’s potential in Sierra Leone, the next SLFA president must consult with highly competent football development professionals to design a detailed 4–8 year development roadmap with SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals.

This plan should include:

  • 1. Comprehensive domestic league reform, including club licensing, structured youth academies, dedicated investment in women’s football, and continuous training and certification programs for administrative and technical staff.
  • 2. Sponsorship and commercialisation strategies to attract both local and international partners.
  • 3. National team development frameworks, spanning from the senior squads to youth categories.
  • 4. Infrastructure and governance improvements, leveraging FIFA resources while collaborating with the private sector, public institutions, government ministries and agencies, and the Sierra Leonean diaspora.

Finally, I strongly encourage the incoming president to prioritise merit-based hiring for both administrative and technical roles. This can be as simple as researching what qualifications and experience are required for a given position and hiring someone who fits that profile, regardless of their location or origin.

If the most qualified candidate happens to be from the diaspora or a foreign footballing nation, so be it. Our football deserves the best minds working in the right roles. Without a competent and professional team behind the scenes, Sierra Leonean football will continue to fall short of its potential.

Author: Kendol Decker, EMBA Sports Management, UEFA & USSF License Coach, MSc (Candidate) – Performance Football Analyst

Game on as Cas kick-off Aminata's SLFA appeal case

Game on as CAS kick-off Aminata’s SLFA appeal case

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has informed the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) that it has received an appeal filed by candidate Aminata Bangura in respect of the upcoming elections on 2 August.

In their detailed three-page submission, the Lausanne-based CAS has given the SLFA three days to respond to Ms Bangura’s proposal for the matter to be expedited and addressed before the election date, among other requests.

The court has also set suggested timelines based on the twists and turns of the proceedings, which could drag on for weeks.

On Friday, 18th July, the SLFA announced that it had disqualified Aminata Bangura and the incumbent FA president, Thomas Brima, from contesting the election after they failed integrity checks conducted by the association’s ethics committee.

Bangura is contesting the decision and filed an appeal to CAS. It is unclear whether Brima is going to take the same route and appeal to Cas. However, Brima has vowed that he will take action.

The SLFA election is eight days away, with Babadi Kamara and Umaru Bah emerging as the two approved contenders for the presidency.

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, had put the SLFA under pressure, stating that the elections should go ahead on 2 August to preserve leadership legitimacy in the Sierra Leone FA.