AWE Media Sierra Leone

By: Abdulrahman Barrie The U17 football teams from Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau have been disqualified from the 2024 U17 African Cup of Nations competition in Senegal after failing the mandatory MRI test scans. These scans, which determine the age of the players, revealed discrepancies that led to their removal from the tournament. The disqualification follows changes to Article 27.4 of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which have tightened the criteria and enforcement of age verification measures. The updated rules stipulate that if a team has more than four players deemed ineligible after the MRI eligibility test, the entire team will be disqualified. The MRI tests, used to enforce age restrictions in youth competitions, are crucial for ensuring fairness. Unfortunately, the teams from these three nations did not meet the age criteria, resulting in their disqualification. This decision has come as a significant disappointment for the young players and their fans, w...

By: Tejan Frederickson Fatorma Jalloh and Momoh I. Kamara, standout performers from Sierra Leone’s U-20 team have made their debut for the senior national team, Leone Stars. This significant milestone follows their exceptional performances in the recently concluded WAFU Zone A U-20 tournament in Liberia where the Sierra Leone Shooting Stars qualified for their first-ever U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025. Head Coach Amidu Karim, impressed by their displays decided to give Jalloh and Kamara the opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage. Jalloh, playing as a right-back, and Kamara, positioned as a central forward were instrumental in the U-20 team’s success. Jalloh featured in the double-header matches against Ivory Coast, while Kamara started from the bench. Despite Sierra Leone losing the first leg they secured a victory in the return leg fixture making it a historic win against the Elephant. This debut marks a significant milestone in both players’ careers and u...

By: Desmond Kallon   The President and Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone have generously donated 1,600 NL to the parents' body, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Eastern Region, for the purchase of ten bags of cement for the compliment of the SLAJ region office secretariat east. President Sahr  Morris Jr shared his sentiments regarding the groundbreaking projects led by Madam Victoria  Bernard and her team, also encouraging other affiliate bodies to contribute, as the office is intended for all journalists and other affiliate bodies. Vice President Mohamed L. Bah reflected on his experience at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists meeting where Madam Victoria Bernard briefed national members on the construction project, noting that this initiative would serve as a beacon for other regions. Madam Victoria Bernard the Chairperson, expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President for their donation, highlighting that the Sierra Leo...

By: Joseph Adeshyllon Mansaray   The commencement of the 2024/25 Sierra Leone Premier League this month as per the  announced season calendar by the Sierra Leone Football Association remains uncelear as the newly appointed Premier League Board for this season's league has remained tight-lipped about same. This delay has raised questions over the preparedness of the board and whether the league will begin as scheduled. Typically, by this stage, football leagues would have already published their fixtures, sponsorship announcements, and other key packages, ensuring a smooth and well-organized start to the season.  However, the ongoing silence from the Premier League Board has left clubs, sponsors, and fans in limbo, unsure of when the matches will officially kick off. The absence of a fixed calendar date has sparked growing frustration among football lovers, who argue that the planning and execution of a national league require proper organization and timely communication.  Clubs are...

By: Alex Paul Bangah In its almost two decades of existence, the Makeni Veterans Football Club (MVFC) will for the first time in Freetown, Western Sierra Leone engage in two friendly matches. The club confirmed on Thursday evening. Northern Times undestoods that the first friendly match will be against Art Center Foundation Veterans Football Club, on Saturday morning at the Saint Edwards playing field, and the following day will lock horns with Brookfields United at 4:30 PM for the second friendly. According to the MVFC Chairman Mr. Charles "Chardon" Nwanko, all is set for his team, "logistically and mentally." He revealed that 25 players have been confirmed for the trip. The players he added "will be joined by few officials to depart Makeni on Friday for Freetown. "The trip to Freetown has been made possible by our membership, special thanks and appreciation to Mr. Ibrahim Amobest Batilo and Honorable Martian Bangura for their extra support. Also t...

By: Joseph Adeshyllon Mansaray Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) recently received an ultramodern bowling machine from the United Arab Emirates Cricket Federation. Unveiled at Kingtom Cricket Oval, this high-tech machine is capable of bowling at speeds exceeding 140 miles per hour, simulating various bowling styles. This donation is expected to significantly enhance CSL's training and international competitiveness. CSL Board Chairman, Francis Trevor Samura, highlighted the impact of this equipment as a major boost for the team’s performance on the global stage.

By: Joseph Adeshyllon Mansaray I n a groundbreaking move, the English Football Association has officially appointed German manager Thomas Tuchel as the new head coach of the England national football team, the Three Lions.  The decision marks a bold new chapter for English football as Tuchel becomes the first non-British manager to lead the national team since Sven-Göran Eriksson. Tuchel, renowned for his tactical acumen and success at top European clubs like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund, takes over the reins with high expectations.  His appointment comes after a period of mixed results for England, with the FA looking to inject fresh ideas and a modern approach into the squad ahead of major international tournaments. The German tactician is known for his ability to transform teams quickly and his deep understanding of the game, having won multiple trophies, including the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.  England fans will be hoping that Tuchel’s experience an...