AWE Media Sierra Leone

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Saturday night saw history made as the Sierra Leone Women's Senior National Team (Sierra Queens) clinched their first-ever West Africa Football Union (WAFU) ‘A’ Women’s Cup title, defeating hosts Senegal 1-0 in a crunch final. The tightly contested encounter, held in Senegal, featured a goalless first half as both teams displayed strong defensive discipline and intensity. However, it was Sierra Leone who showed greater composure and determination in the second half. Under the guidance of coach Hassan Malik Zenette Mansaray, the Sierra Queens remained resolute, thwarting multiple attempts from the Senegalese side thanks to a well-coordinated defense and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Hannah Juana. Eventually, Sierra Queens persistence paid off in the 69th minute when forward Kumba Zainab Brima was brought down in the Senegalese penalty area. Boldly, the Sierra Leone team captain Fatmata J. Kamara stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, gi...

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people.  Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him.  In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  Luawa FC has made its most decisive move yet in the fight to escape relegation, appointing Portuguese strategist Flávio Silva as their new head coach.  With just 20 points after 19 matches and hovering dangerously in 15th place, the club’s leadership has placed its faith in Silva’s tactical mastery to navigate this critical stretch of the Leone Rock Premier League.   This appointment signals more than just a coaching change, it represents an urgent mission to reshape Luawa FC’s fortunes.  Silva brings nearly two decades of coaching experience from Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. His tenure at clubs like Boavista FC and F.C.  Arouca shaped him into a tactician known for his structured game models, youth scouting, and disciplined play.  His ability to analyze matches, build high-performance squads, and implement modern football philosophies could be exactly what Luawa FC needs to mount a late resurgence.   Football analysts in Freetown see Silva’s arrival as a c...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Photo Credit: Reuters Claim: Facebook video  shows   Mbappe criticising Madrid, requesting contract termination and return to PSG. Verdict: False. The original video on Real Madrid’s website spotlights Mbappe as he talks about his side’s valiant performance in their 0-3 victory against Real Valladolid. Besides, no reputable media outlet reported the alleged claim.   Full Text Less than a year ago, French international Kylian Mbappe  joined Spanish giants Real Madrid  on a free transfer, a month after terminating his contract with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite  winning six league titles  in Paris and  extending his contract  by two years in 2022, the 26-year-old was always keen on moving to Spain to join Real Madrid. However, despite registering a wholesome 28-goal tally and three assists since playing in LaLiga, he has been hopeless as his new club has clinched no trophy in their 2024/2025 campaigns. Real Madrid’s chances of winning any s...

   Dordrecht, South Holland Bootcamp Dordrecht marked its 10th anniversary this month by donating €1,000 to Sport For Empowerment Foundation.  Originally started to promote healthy lifestyles, the bootcamp has evolved into a community hub that fosters connections among participants from diverse backgrounds.   A representative from the bootcamp expressed pride in the milestone, stating, “It’s about fostering connections and using sport to uplift individuals in our community and beyond.”  Sport For Empowerment Foundation, dedicated to empowering underserved communities through sports initiatives, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its impact on providing essential opportunities for youth in need.   T he Bootcamp Dordrecht team looks forward to continuing their mission of promoting health and community spirit through their weekly sessions, one Thursday at a time.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson   FC Cincinnati has officially announced the signing of veteran Sierra Leonean striker Kei Ansu Kamara, marking the latest chapter in his storied Major League Soccer (MLS) career.  The 40-year-old joins Cincinnati as a free agent, signing a contract through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026, and will be added to the roster in a supplementary spot. Kamara, one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers, is set to join his 12th MLS club for match actions, a testament to both his longevity and consistent impact.  FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright expressed enthusiasm over the signing: “We’re excited to add a player of Kei’s quality, experience, and leadership to FC Cincinnati. He’s clearly one of the most prolific goal scorers in league history, and his skill set brings a different dimension to our attack. We warmly welcome Kei and his family to Cincinnati.” Kamara enters this new phase of his career as the second all-time leading ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Photo credits: MI&CE Claim:  A Facebook page named Sierraloaded News claimed that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education has decided to scrap the newly introduced curriculum and bring back the old curriculum. Verdict : False. The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr Cornard Sackey, strongly denied the claim in an official press release. Full Text A recent Facebook post by  Sierraloaded News  has gone viral. The post alleges that the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has made a sudden decision to cancel the new curriculum and return to the old one. The post claims that the ministry no longer supports the new education system that was introduced and promoted in recent years. This claim attracted mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing confusion, while others began sharing the post widely without confirming the facts. The viral nature of the post raised concerns among parents, teachers, and pup...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  Sierra Leone’s U20 team fought bravely but bowed out of AFCON U20 after a dramatic 1-0 loss to Morocco in extra time.  Playing much of the match with ten men following Samba Juma Bah’s red card, they defended courageously before an unfortunate own goal sealed their fate in the second half of extra time.   The young squad showed remarkable resilience at Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium, standing firm despite Morocco’s dominance in possession.  With relentless determination, Sierra Leone made life difficult for the Atlas Lions, absorbing pressure and keeping their opponents from breaking through.  Even with one player down, their disciplined defense frustrated Morocco for over an hour.  But in the late stages of extra time, a misjudged clearance found its way into the back of their own net, an agonizing blow that confirmed Morocco’s passage to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.  

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Sierra Leone’s U20 squad is on the brink of something special. As they prepare to face Morocco in today’s quarterfinal, the stakes couldn’t be higher.  A win would not only secure a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025 but also mark a historic achievement for Sierra Leonean football.   The team has shown resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming challenges with skill and determination.  Now, they must rise to the occasion against a strong Moroccan side.  With the hopes of a nation behind them, Sierra Leone’s young talents have the chance to inspire the next generation of footballers.

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Sierra Leone’s young football talents, Momoh Kamara and Nathaniel Jalloh, have earned a spot in the Best XI of the group stage at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, proving their skills on the big stage. Their impressive performances have put Sierra Leonean football in the spotlight, giving fans and young players plenty to cheer about. Kamara has been a standout attacker, scoring four goals and winning the Best Player and Top Scorer awards for the group stage.  On the other hand, Jalloh has been a rock in defense, stopping opponents with smart tackles and strong plays. Their success is a sign that Sierra Leone’s football future is bright, inspiring young athletes across the country to dream big and work hard for greatness.

ADO Den Haag and Wij Voor De Jeugd among key contributors championing grassroots sports in Sierra Leone. The Sport For Empowerment Foundation Sierra Leone has proudly announced a generous donation of sports equipment from several esteemed Dutch institutions, notably including the renowned football club ADO Den Haag and the dedicated youth development organisation Wij Voor De Jeugd.  This remarkable donation was skillfully coordinated through the Foundation’s head office in the Netherlands and is already making a profound impact across various communities. Thanks to this invaluable contribution, community sports initiatives in diverse cities such as Kenema, Makeni, and Freetown are experiencing a vibrant revival.  Teachers, trainers, and young athletes are now able to attend training sessions and engage in a variety of sporting activities, equipped with proper gear that ignites their passion for sports.  The sight of children wearing new football kits, bouncing newly donated basketballs...

The Sport For Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with Friends In Sport Academy, is making remarkable progress in changing lives through its Community Social Change Program in the vibrant Vincent Drive Lumbly area of Freetown.  Over the past five years, the foundation has harnessed the profound potential of sport as a catalyst for transformation, delivering well-structured training programs and invaluable educational opportunities for children and youth throughout the region. What began as a humble grassroots initiative has evolved into a robust community development effort. Today, the foundation proudly operates a fully established school that caters to students from nursery through senior secondary levels, providing essential education to families in and around the Kamayama community.  This educational institution has consistently produced outstanding results in both public and internal examinations, reflecting the comprehensive support that nurtures students academically and pe...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Mena Queens Football Club of Makeni, under their new head coach Hassan Malik "Zenette" Mansaray, is gearing up for their first home game on Sunday, May 11, at Wusum Stadium.  They will be facing Vem Buck Football Club, a team fighting against relegation, in match day 16 of the 2024/25 Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League. The said match would be Mansaray’s fourth fixture since he took the reins as head coach of Mena Queens alongside joined the club's new Technical Director, Abdul "German" Bangura, who succeeds Alusine "Abega" Conteh in this position.  So far, coach Mansaray has made an impressive impact, leading Mena Queens to three remarkable away matches, achieving victories against Sierra Leone Police (1-4), Koya Queens (2-4), and a draw with Mogbwemo Queens (2-2).  Deservedly, his team collected seven points out of a possible nine from their last three games, instilling a winning spirit within the squad and propelling the cl...

By: NSA MEDIA Momoh Ibrahim Kamara, a native from Kambia and former Diamond Stars sensational and dynamic  attacking midfielder, continues to assert his football dominance at the ongoing CAF U20 Tournament in Egypt.  Momoh, who turned 20 on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, is the tournament's current top goal scorer.  The clinical form of the Minnesota United player in the USA, who is on loan from Mattia FC from Kono, is boosting the Shooting Stars in their CAF U20 debut.     Momoh's instinctive finishing and intelligence in every match have drawn praises from fans and analysts alike across the continent.  Although the team  surrendered 4- 1 to the Amajita Boys of South Africa on Wednesday evening, Kamara's 69-minute consolation goal  underscored his importance in the  campaign.  The 5-foot and 7-inch player had a cap with Sierra Leone's Senior National Men's Team Leone Stars in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Guinea Bissau with an assist.

By: Desmond Paine Wilde Ganzen has proudly concluded a dynamic three-day intensive training program designed to elevate community engagement and foster sustainable change among its partner organisations and community-based groups in the vibrant city of Makeni. The training attracted a diverse group of participants from various regions across Sierra Leone, creating a rich atmosphere of cross-regional learning and collaboration.  Under the guidance of Esly Van Dam, Project Advisor at Wilde Ganzen, attendees were immersed in a series of interactive sessions that introduced a range of practical tools and innovative strategies to effectively engage communities in their development efforts. One of the standout moments of the training occurred on the second day when the spotlight turned to the compelling topic of Social Enterprise.  This engaging session, led by the passionate Daniel Bangura, Coordinator of the Sport For Empowerment Foundation Sierra Leone Makeni branch, provided valuable ins...

  By Azrat Umaro  Saidu Turay (Fabregas) The Head Coach of the Sierra Leone Senior Women’s National Team, Hassan Malik Mansaray, has announced the invitation of 27 players to begin intensive training in preparation for the 2025 WAFU-A Women’s Tournament in Mauritania.  Training sessions are set to commence on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Academy Field located in Kingtom, Freetown.  All invited players are required to report by 8:00 a.m. sharp to ensure a prompt start to the training program.  This initiative marks an important step for the team as they gear up for the upcoming WAFU-A Women’s tournament, aiming to enhance their skills and teamwork in pursuit of success on the continetal stage.

By Azrat Umaro Saidu Turay (Fabregas) Shooting Stars, having already made history by reaching the quarterfinals in their first appearance at the tournament, will be looking to maintain their momentum and build on their impressive performances thus far.  The team has shown resilience and skill, and a win against South Africa would not only solidify their position but also boost their confidence heading into the next round. On the other hand, South Africa U20, known for their tenacity and fighting spirit, will be determined to secure a win.  With their tournament hopes hanging in the balance, they will need to bring their A-game and capitalize on any opportunities that arise.  The pressure is on, and the team will be looking to rally together and deliver a strong performance. As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, fans can expect an exciting match filled with intensity and passion.  The stakes are high, and both sides will be eager to leave their mark on this prestigious tourn...

By: Frederickson Tejan Fatorma, SLFA U20 Media Officer Attached  Sierra Leone U20 faces Tanzania U20 in their third Group A match at Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia a match that could cement their spot in the Quarterfinals.  With four points and four goals from two matches the Shooting Stars lead the standings, while Tanzania after a narrow loss to South Africa will be desperate to register their first win. The  Ngorongoro Heroes crowned  2025 CECAFA U20 champion are playing their second match in the tournament having previously debuted in 2021.  Meanwhile, Sierra Leone's squad has been energized, determined to carve their name in history with a Quarterfinal qualification as debutants. This encounter also marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two teams at this level.

By: Desmond Paine, Sports Correspondent As the sun glistens on the azure waters of Sierra Leone's stunning coastline, a wave of change is surging through the world of surfing, led by passionate young leaders like Ibrahim Bradshaw.  At just 25 years old, Bradshaw stands at the helm of this movement as one of the coordinators for United Sierra Leone (Wave Alliance), a vibrant youth-led initiative founded by the visionary Messeh Leone.  This program is dedicated not only to fostering the sport of surfing but also to empowering young individuals throughout the region. Reflecting on his journey, Bradshaw shared the pivotal moment that drew him to the ocean. “I began my surfing adventure in 2019, thanks to my manager Messeh Leone, who opened the door to this exhilarating world,” he recounted with enthusiasm. Since that transformative year, he has experienced unforgettable moments on the waves, riding the crests of Sierra Leone's pristine beaches and developing a profound connection t...

By: Desmond Paine, Sports Correspondent The rhythmic roar of the ocean waves crashing against the shores of Sierra Leone has become the backdrop to an exhilarating story of passion and resilience, embodied by the dynamic 24-year-old surfer, John Douglas—affectionately known in the surf community as “John John.”  Hailing from the bustling streets of Freetown, where he was born in a McDonald’s, he spent his formative years just a stone's throw from the Atlantic, deeply in tune with the sea that calls to him. John John’s surfing journey sparked in 2015 at Bureh Beach, a celebrated beacon of the nation’s burgeoning surf culture.  “I’m a Guffi surfer,” he proudly declares, referring to his distinctive, self-evolved style that captivates both the waves and the spectators.  Under the wing of local surfing mentor Daniel Douglas, his passion ignited a fierce dedication to the sport, propelling him to the forefront of surfing’s evolution in Sierra Leone. In 2020, driven by his dream to foste...