by FSL News | 4 Jun, 2021 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone, Sport News
The latest development on the Sierra Leone Football Association presidential race is that bookies favourite hot contender, Rodney Michael, will not be contesting Saturday’s elective congress at the Wusum hotel in Makeni.
Michael, who was successfully ‘cleared’ by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to contest, has confirmed his withdrawal.
“With the elections only 48 hours after the decision of CÀS, I have found it extremely difficult to cope with the emotional, mental and physical stress to be able to campaign extensively and adequately for such an election,” Michael noted in his statement.
“It is, therefore, with deep regret that I inform you all of my decision to withdraw from the SLFA ELECTIONS 2021. I plead with you for forgiveness and understanding, and once more appeal for your support for this decision will always remain a difficult decision. I will forever be indebted to all of you and to Sierra Leone.”
He told this medium yesterday that he will be deciding in 24 hours after extensive consultation.
His final verdict is clear, as the race is now between Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh, Thomas Daddy Brima for Saturday’s SLFA elective congress in Makeni.
by FSL News | 3 Jun, 2021 | African News, Sport News
Rodney Michael has been successfully ‘cleared’ by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to contest as a presidential candidate but says he will decide in 24 hours after extensive consultation.
The seasoned football administrator, who was disqualified by the SLFA Ethics board, told this medium he needs time to decide his position despite the top sport’s legal body has overturned in his favour.
Cas decision came two days after Incumbent Isha Johansen’s withdrawal. As a result, Rodney Michael, when decided, will join Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh, Thomas Daddy Brima set for Saturday’s SLFA elective congress in Makeni.
“The CAS decision is victory in the war against injustice and impunity after nine years of injustice,” Rodney vehemently told FSL UK.
“It is a victory for all Sierra Leoneans and an opportunity for a paradigm shift.
It is a relief, finally. I will decide in the next 24 hours if I will be contesting the elections or not after extensive consultation.”
“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially upheld the appeal filed by Rodney Michael against the decision rendered on 25 March 2021 by the Ethics Board of the Sierra Leone Football Association,” Cas statement reads.
In delivering the ruling on Thursday, Cas said: “It found that there was no concrete evidence that Rodney Michael was in breach of the ethics regulations at this time. The sanctions which have been upheld by CAS are of minor importance and do not affect the status of Roney Michael to participate in the forthcoming presidential elections.”
Saturday’s SLFA’s elective congress will be the first in almost eight years ago since Incumbent Isha Johansen assumed office on August 3 2013.
Rodney Michael remains the most revered and popular football administrator in the country.
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by FSL News | 3 Jun, 2021 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone, Sport News
Sierra Leone John Keister on Wednesday urged fans to rally behind Leone Stars in the upcoming African Cup of Nations June 14 decider against Benin.
The Manchester-born, who also admitted he faced hindrance ahead of this month final qualifier, confirmed the majority of his squad are foreign-based.
Since taking charge, Keister still in search of his first win as Sierra Leone head coach. Defeating Benin will be more than a victory as the country will be making its third appearance on the continental stage in its history.
He called on fans to keep supporting and be positive as always. “We are team Sierra Leone,” he reminded all.
The Leone Stars must win to reach the tournament for the first time in 25 years, but without a doubt, the Squirrels of Benin in their way.
Only a win will end the West African Nation Afcon drought, and coach Keister is fully aware nothing less will be enough.
“I want the fans to know we need a few clarifications from CAF. Whilst is a little frustrating with preparations and travelling arrangements for players when we are still waiting for definite answers,” he explained on his Facebook page.
Fans have been concern about the delay in the squad list, but Keister maintained his groundwork kickstart on Monday.
“I have been reading concerns going into one of the most important matches in the last 20 or so years. We will start preparations on Monday. By then, we would have had most of the players available amid end to their seasons in various countries.”
Keister says home-based training sessions have been difficult to organise due to the ongoing league season but confirmed 80% of his squad coming from overseas.
Football pundits, fans are still waiting on his rebuilding promise he made after reappointed for his second spell in August 2020.
Twenty-three teams already qualified, and the winner between Sierra Leone and Benin will take the final spot to complete the 24 nations.
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by FSL News | 2 Jun, 2021 | Players Abroad News, Sport News
Twin brothers Alhassan and Alusine Koroma have signed a contract extension with Spanish club Real Balompédica Linense until 2024.
Sierra Leone winger, Alhassan and attacking midfielder, Alusine both committed to the Spanish outfit for the next three seasons.
Playing for Spanish third-tier side Real Balompédica Linense, Alhassan Koroma, 20, has been a fundamental player in Antonio Calderón’s side promotion campaign.
The Sierra Leone international scored four vital goals in the race to promotion in all competition.
After 23 appearances, he has emerged as one of Sierra Leone’s developing talent. Alhassan has been a key member of the national team setup.
Alusine, 20, on loan from Marampa FC, was part of the East End Lions 2019 Sierra Leone Premier champion winning team.
Alusine Koroma made his Tercera winning debut with Real Balompédica Linense B side at the Municipal Stadium in a 2-0 triumph over CD Alcalá Del Valle in their away contest on 14th February.
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by FSL News | 1 Jun, 2021 | Players Abroad News, Sport News
After missing the last nine months with a knee operation, Abu Bakarr Kargbo finally gotten his name back on the score sheet for the first time since his return. Photo Credit Jan Huebner
The 28-year-old, who suffered from cruciate ligament damage during a training session in August 2020, scored in Kickers Offenbach 6-1 thrashing over Astoria Walldorf at home debut on Tuesday.
Kargbo, who scored over 30 goals in 57 appearances over two seasons with Berliner AK 07, says he was delighted after first for the club following a difficult injury.
“Very pleased with my effort and for the team. I came through a difficult moment after almost ten months out injured. I am looking forward to the remaining games of the season,” Kargbo told FSL News.
The former German U-19 striker was born in Sierra Leone but raised in Germany, where he played for the youth U15, U17, and U19 sides.
Connect with us @football_sierra, on Facebook/ Instagram Football Sierra Leone writer John Bangura in Freetown.
by FSL News | 1 Jun, 2021 | International, National Sport News Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Soccer team Profile
Incumbent Isha Johansen has dropped out of the Sierra Leone Football Association presidential race to more focus on her FIFA role, she wrote.
As a recently elected Fifa Council Member, I will be required to play a higher level and more active role as a Global Ambassador for Football and Fifa,” she noted in her statement.
“My new role will require extensive global travelling and consequently increased demands on my time. After much deliberation and soul searching, it’s with sadness that I have decided to announce the withdrawal of my candidacy for president in the upcoming SLFA elections.
I hereby offer the new SLFA executive and staff my best wishes for the future and assure my full support from within FIFA.
“I want to thank all of my supporters and well-wishers from across the country for their unwavering loyalty, integrity and for the years of dedication to our cause and vision in changing our narrative and raising the game of football in Sierra Leone. I remain your friend, mother, and sister in football.”
She pledged her continuous support for Sierra Leone’s football development through her new role at FIFA.
“Whilst I pride myself in the belief that I have played a significant role in restoring integrity, compliance and good governance in our nation’s football, my fervent prayer is that we do not lose what we fought so hard to build,” she continued.
“As long as we continue to respect the rules of compliance and good governance, I pledge to expend every effort to ensure the delivery of football development programmes and infrastructure in the deserved benefit of our children and our nation.”
As a result, Thomas Daddy Brima, Saddick Deen-Nyarkoh and provisional aspirant Rodney Michael contesting the June 4th and 5th elective congress in the Northern Province town Makeni.
Under her reign, accusations of corruption, controversy, infighting and power struggle all emerged.
Sierra Leone match-fixing allegation in 2014 brought so much divides in the football fraternity as many believed she deliberately destroyed all her direct rivals.
Prominent football philanthropist and seasoned administrator Rodney Michael were among those recently ‘CLEARED’ of the said match-fixing following a lengthy investigation.
The case was focused on the match-fixing allegation in 2014 when eleven officials and four players were suspended by Sierra Leone’s FA and Sports Ministry pending investigation.
Most notable, the match-fixing inquiry includes a World Cup qualifier between Sierra Leone and South Africa that ended goalless in Atteridgeville, South Africa, in June 2008.
Court Case against her
For almost two years, Johansen and secretary-general Chris Kamara faced corruption charges by Sierra Leone’s Anti Corruption Commission.
The embattled SLFA boss Johansen and sec-gen Chris Kamara have always denied any wrongdoing.
Johansen and Kamara were acquitted because of a lack of evidence.
FIFA cited government interference that led to Sierra Leone suspension from international soccer in October 2018, and the country was disqualified from the qualifying competition for the African Cup.
Meanwhile, the last SLFA elective congress was held almost eight years ago when incumbent Isha Johansen assumed office on August 3, 2013.
FIFA suspends Sierra Leone soccer Association
Fifa to lift Sierra Leone suspension after Johansen’s court victory
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Sierra Leone | Highlights -