Category: Sport News

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Curtis Davies on potential Sierra Leone Debut in World Cup qualifiers

Experienced defender Curtis Davies has discussed possibly making his official Sierra Leone international debut at 39.

He expressed his excitement, stating that it would be a significant moment for him and his family.

“If I make my international debut for the team, it will be a great honour. My father will fly out for the games, and he is as excited as I am. If I am selected, it will be a significant moment for my family,” Davies told Football Sierra Leone.

“For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game.”

While acknowledging his advanced age, Davies did not rule out the possibility of participating in the World Cup, although he recognized that it would be a challenging goal.

Davies emphasized the importance of securing three points for the nation and getting their World Cup qualifications back on track. He mentioned the upcoming games and the need to focus on the team’s game plan during training.

Davies previously made his debut for the England under-21 team in 2006 and was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for friendly matches in 2023.

Sierra Leone must start winning in their upcoming matches to improve their standing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They will face Djibouti and Burkina Faso in their next matches.

The squad includes midfielder Rodney Michael, who has been in good form and excludes Augustine Williams, despite his impressive goal-scoring record for the USL Championship side Indy Eleven.

Egypt leads Group A in the current standings, followed by Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are tied with one point each, while Djibouti has no points after losing their first two games.

Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Davies - "For now, the important aspect is getting the three points for the nation to get our qualifiers on track. It will bring us belief ahead of the Burkina Faso game."
Zimbabwe's Warriors Rally Troops for South Africa & Lesotho
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe’s listed Troops for South Africa & Lesotho

The Warriors of Zimbabwe are gearing up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the 2026 African qualifiers set to resume next week.

Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, Head Coach Jairos Tapera has named a strong squad of 23 players, including several European-based players such as Marshal Munetsi, Tawanda Chiwera, Marvelous Nakamba, Brendan Galloway, and 20-year-old left-back Shane Maroodza.

The Warriors will first face Lesotho in Johannesburg on Friday, 07 June, followed by a match against South Africa on Tuesday, 11 June – in Bloemfontein.

Drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, and Benin, the Zimbabwean team has made a decent start to their campaign, securing a goalless draw against Rwanda and holding Nigeria to a 1-1 draw.

The team has a strong history in the CAF AFCON with five appearances but is yet to make it to the FIFA World Cup. The tournament has now been expanded to 48 nations, with nine places guaranteed for Africa and a play-off position.

The Warriors Squad for Matches against Lesotho and South Africa

Goalkeepers: Godfrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds), Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)

Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle, England), Munashe Garananga (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor, Turkey), Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield Town, England), Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Gerald Takwara (Ohod, Saudi Arabia)

Midfielders: Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City, England), Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims, France), Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United, England), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading, England), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)

Strikers: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Tinotenda Kadewere (Nantes, France), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City, South Africa), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora).

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Antonio Rudiger flies Sierra Leone flag high as Madrid seal Trophy

Defender Antonio Rüdiger celebrated Real Madrid’s victory at Wembley on Saturday by parading around the stadium with the Sierra Leone flag after Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr goals.

Rüdiger, born to a Sierra Leonean mother, has been involved in charitable initiatives to address poverty in the nation.

Real Madrid claimed their 15th Champions League title with a victory over Dortmund. Despite a torrid first half and missed opportunities from Dortmund, Real emerged victorious with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

It was a disappointing night for Jadon Sancho, who is on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United, but a glorious one for England’s Jude Bellingham in his first season at Real.

Rüdiger began his career at VfB Stuttgart, then played for Roma and Chelsea, where he achieved success and won multiple titles. In 2022, he made a significant move by signing with Real Madrid.

 

Gambian players must be active to be eligible - Mckinstry
by FSL News

Gambian players must be active to be eligible – Mckinstry

The newly appointed head coach of The Gambia senior national team, Johnathan McKinstry, has outlined the criteria for player selection, emphasizing the importance of players being actively involved with their clubs before naming his squad.

The Northern Irishman has announced his squad for important games against Seychelles and Gabon this month. The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.

He underlined the significance of fitness and regular game time for the players as the Scorpions are getting ready for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Seychelles and Gabon on the horizon.

He expressed his vision of progressing the team and enhancing their performance in upcoming matches, highlighting his willingness to integrate young players and expecting them to deliver their best on the field.

He arrived in Gambia on May 25, just one week after securing Gor Mahia the Kenyan Premier League title with three league games remaining. In his two years in charge of Gor Mahia, he won both KPL League titles and the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.

The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.
Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Manchester United target Sierra Leone-born Trevoh Chalobah

Manchester United are discussing Trevoh Chalobah as an option but may not meet Chelsea’s £25 million valuation of the centre-back.

The young player from Chelsea is expected to be sold in the upcoming off-season. Chalobah secured a regular spot in the team towards the end of the season under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

As a homegrown talent, the London club sees him as a potential asset to raise funds for other player acquisitions.

Chelsea aims to spark a bidding war to maximize the profit from his sale.

It’s worth noting that United and Chelsea completed a deal for Mason Mount last summer, although Mount had limited playing time in the past season.

The centre-back joined Chelsea as an under-9 player and advanced through the Academy to eventually join the men’s first team, following the path of his older brother Nathaniel.

Amadou Bakayoko is on the radar of several English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amadou Bakayoko is on radar of several English clubs

Stockport, Salford City, Charlton Athletic, and Tranmere Rovers are all set to make offers for Forest Green Rovers striker Amadou Bakayoko, who recently completed a successful loan spell at Dundee, Football Sierra Leone understands.

Bakayoko joined Dundee on loan from Forest Green Rovers last season and played a crucial role in helping the Dark Blues secure a top-six finish in the Cinch Premiership with six goals contribution.

He mentioned that he would appreciate the chance to rejoin Tony Docherty’s side. However, the latest development could see me go either way next season.

The 28-year-old is still under contract at Forest Green for next season but hopes to discuss his options with his parent club before the new campaign.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone International is set to travel for World Cup qualifying matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso on 5 & 10 June, respectively.

John Keister's Bo Rangers set for third successive league title
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

John Keister’s Rangers set for third successive league title

John Keister and his team, Bo Rangers, are focused and determined to secure a victory and claim their third straight title this weekend as they face Old Edwardians in their 29th league match at the Southern Arena.

His team may encounter a formidable challenge when they face the May Park Boys, particularly after their remarkable 4-3 comeback victory against FC Kallon in the previous game. This result may have boosted the confidence of the Edwardians.

The Southern league leaders are 17 points top of the table, and a win against the Edwardians will secure them 69 points to lift the title under his leadership with five games to spare.

Rangers have consistently performed well in the Sierra Leone Premier League since the new administration under chairman Babadi Kamara took over in 2019.

“Recent results in the league, such as Bhantal’s defeat to Ports and FC Kallon’s match against Edwards, have put us in a better position to achieve our goal of winning the title,” Keister to Football Sierra Leone. 

“However, we have to keep our focus and stay grounded. I have been involved in football long enough to know that you can’t take anything for granted. We need to respect Edward. We have to approach this match with total seriousness.”

The former Sierra Leone coach is aiming for his second top-flight title after winning his first with East End Lions in 2019 when he went unbeaten.

“Securing this title would be an incredible achievement for Bo Rangers, benefitting the club, the fans, and all those affiliated with it. The chairman, executives, and players have played pivotal roles in driving the team’s success.”

Link to The Sierra Leone Premier League Standings

The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
The upcoming match could potentially determine the title winner if Bo Rangers can secure the maximum points.
Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi shines in Europa Conference final
by FSL News

Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi shines in Europa Conference final

El Kaabi scored eleven goals in the Europa Conference League, setting a new record in the UEFA knockout stage and helping the Greek club side win a European trophy.

The Olympiacos striker scored the winning goal against Fiorentina, securing a 1-0 victory at the AEK Arena with just four minutes remaining in extra time.

El Kaabi’s achievement surpasses the records of Falcao, Ronaldo, and Benzema, who have each scored 10 goals in a single UEFA campaign.

He is the first non-European player to score 14 goals in a major European competition in a single season since Lionel Messi in 2011-12.

Olympiakos is the first Greek side to win a major European competition, with El Kaabi playing a crucial role in their success. Fiorentina’s loss adds to their history of failures in this tournament, losing five of their last six European finals.

The defeat also ended Fiorentina’s longest unbeaten run in Europe, abruptly halting a 13-match undefeated streak.

Bristol Rovers midfielder Kamil Conteh back in Sierra Leone squad
by FSL News

Bristol Rovers’ Kamil Conteh named in Sierra Leone squad

Kamil Conteh has been selected for the Sierra Leone national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.

He will be representing his country for the first time since March last year. Sierra Leone is currently fourth in Group A with one point from two matches.

The squad includes former Liverpool defender Steven Caulker, recently released Cheltenham Town centre-back Curtis Davies, and Charlton Athletic striker Daniel Kanu.

Conteh has been performing well since joining Rovers from Grimsby Town in January, quickly adapting to life in League One after playing in League Two and the National League for the previous year and a half.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh was called up to the Sierra Leone squad for their friendly matches against Togo, Liberia, and Congo. Conteh earned his first cap during their 3-0 loss to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes.

Samuel Gandi’s hat-trick helps Edwards to a comeback victory
by FSL News

Samuel Gandi’s brace helps Edwards to comeback victory

Old Edwardians staged a remarkable comeback to defeat FC Kallon 4-3 on Wednesday at the SLFA academy playing field.

Despite Kallon taking an early three-goal lead in the first 30 minutes, the May Park Boys put on an impressive performance, scoring four goals to secure the win.

Abu Bakarr Jallon opened the scoring for Kallon in the 2nd minute, and Sam Komba Sylla added two more goals in the 25th and 30th minutes, seemingly securing the home side’s bright start.

In spite of everything, the Edwardians demonstrated resilience and character during the last hour of the game. Alusine Kamara, who was named Man of the Match, initiated the comeback for the May Park Boys in the 31st minute when he capitalized on a loose ball to beat the Kallon keeper.

Samuel Gandhi Impressively scored a brace. The best of his goals came in the 70th minute when he outpaced his marker and unleashed a fine strike to beat the Kallon keeper.

This victory moved Old Edwardians to fourth place, leaving Kallon trailing by seventeen points behind the league leaders, Bo Rangers.

The Edwardians’ next match is against the runaway leaders Bo Rangers, who could clinch the title with maximum points at the South Arena on Saturday, 1st June 2024.

View the Sierra Leone Premier League standings