Awoko Newspaper » Sports

As Poborsky’ side line for three months …Celtic extend Salone player deal

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:35:27 +0000

Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Poborsky who plays for Celtic will be unavailable for the team for another three months.
The club website reports that the Sierra Leone striker will be out “for around 12 weeks following further investigation on his right knee”.
A short statement on Celtic’s website read: “Mohamed Bangura will be out of action for around 12 weeks following further investigation on his right knee.”
The former AIK player who moved to Celtic in the summer has seen his career in Glasgow interrupted by medical problems which has limited the 22 year-old to only14 appearances of which two were from the start.
Bangura who joined Celtic from AIK last summer after a recommendation from club favourite Henrik Larsson is yet to open his account for Neil Lennon’s side.
In another development English Premier team, Chelsea has extended the contract of their Sierra Leonean youngster Aziz Deen-Conteh last week.
Aziz who is part of the club’s reserve players has signed a contract extension until 2013. The 19-year old attacking left-back has signed for Chelsea until the end of next season, 2012/13. Conteh first signed for the Chelsea when he was aged 13-year-old.
He has represented England U-19s and has made eight appearances for Chelsea second team this season. He is highly-regarded within the corridors of Stamford Bridge and he is seen as a future star in the first-team.

MCC equipment for SLCA arrives

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:35:24 +0000

The long awaited Cricket equipment from Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has arrived in Freetown. This includes a full set of cricket nets and an artificial playing surface to the governing body.
It had been planned that the equipment will initially be used in schools and later installed at a new national indoor cricket academy.
Sierra Leone has been an affiliate member of the international Cricket Council (ICC) since 2002, and last season competed in Division 2 of the ICC World Cricket League Africa region.
Some improvements have been made to the infrastructure of cricket across the nation in recent years; however, facilities and equipment remain rudimentary. Many of the country’s grounds were destroyed during the decade long civil war that ended in 2002, and there are currently only two cricket nets available for training, which are in a state of disrepair.
The delivery of the MCC nets and artificial turf wickets worth over $100,000 when new, and still in decent condition therefore represents a timely boost to development plans.
The nets and flooring are being recycled from the MCC Academy at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which is undergoing a full refurbishment this winter. In addition to the new netting and playing surface, the lane lighting is being replaced with a more efficient system, and a deep clean internal and external walls will be performed.
Speaking about the arrangement, MCC head of Cricket, John Stephension said that he is absolutely delighted that MCC can continue to support the Sierra Leone Cricket Association adding that he feels that, the nets and flooring will be put to excellent use.
The foundation for development lies in what equipment and facilities are available, he said and hopes that the donation will make a difference.
“MCC is committed to increasing the international appeal of cricket and the club’s relationship with Sierra Leone forms an important part of developing talent in emerging nations.”
The Director of Limeline Internet, Stuart Bentham, in his own statement said that the donation from MCC will make a real difference to the Sierra Leone Cricket Association.
Sierra Leone is, like Afghanistan, a country touched by war, the facilities need to be rebuilt and this donation offers a real chance to do that. It is incredibly generous of MCC to donate their nets and wickets.
The President of the association Beresford Bournes-Coker in his own contribution said Limeline decided to sponsor SLCA to offer us a lifeline
According to Coker they have never had a sponsor before and now we can see real changes happening, this gear from the MCC offers us another chance, the chance to have a proper facility.
He also revealed that they have the talent and the desire but they do not have the facilities, hopefully this donation will be the beginning of something wonderful.
He went further to thank MCC and their members for donating this equipment to the association. The Cricket President also went further to appeal to government through the Ministry of Youth Employment and Sports to assist the association for a waiver to clear the equipment at the quay.

Two junior tennis play off to Togo

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:35:20 +0000

Two junior tennis players John Abu Marah and Mattu Kamara departed on Friday February 3rd 2012 for Togo to participate in the International Tennis Federation, (ITF) and the Confederation of African Tennis, (CAT) junior championship elimination series,
The two junior players are expected to play against their West and Central African opponents in the U-14 category. The competition started on Monday February 6th 2012 and will end Sunday February 12th 2012 as they seek qualification to the championship in Egypt.
According to information gathered by Awoko Sports this will be the first assignment of national coach, Amidu Dumbuya after completing his level II coaching course in Spain and the coach believed that the two players can secure a qualification to the next stage of the competition.
Coach Dumbuya also revealed that for the past three months, both players who are not strangers to international competition have undergone intensive training at the Hill station court that is why he believes that they can proceed to the next stage of the competition.
Coach Dumbuya stated that Mattu Kamara qualified last year in Ghana in similar competition and she is looking forward to this competition to increase her ranking, while for John Marah he is expected to have his first qualification in international tournament and that is why he has done his best for the last three months.

“My decision was purely done as a philanthropic gesture”

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:35:16 +0000

Mercury International regional coordinator, Rodney Edmond Michael aka Super Rod has said the decision to pay for 23 local coaches to participate in the CAF ‘B’ License course was “purely done as a philanthropic gesture and patriotic service.”
Rodney Michael says he hopes to extend a similar gesture to the referees program and administrative courses.
Michael said that his move was not for any political gain, but that he decided to come on board to rescue the coaches because they form a very important part towards football development.
“That is why I am providing the sum of Le 650, 000 for each coach to meet the financial prerequisite of the coaches to enable them to participate in the course which has been slated for 27th of this month” he told Awoko Sports
He said “until we help them acquire the appropriate technical education and opportunity, we will struggle to provide the best local coaches for our national teams and clubs.”
“Presently we cannot afford foreign coaches so we must concentrate on investing on our local coaches and give them the best we can offer so they in turn can serve not only our national teams but also our clubs from all division including the female and youth teams.”
Michael’s kind gesture aided coaches from Western Area, Eastern, Northern and Southern regions to benefit from the 21-days course.

Sierra Startlet to host their Gambian opponent tomorrow

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:37:24 +0000

All roads will be leading to the Wusum playing field tomorrow to witness the second rounds of the preminary rounds of the U-17 female World cup competition.
In the first leg Sierra Starlet when down by three goals to nil at the Independence Stadium in Bakau-the Gambia. And if Sierra Starlet is to qualify they need to win by four goals margin to proceed to the next stage of the competition.
The Public Relation Officer who accompanied the team to the Gambia Bockarie Allieu said that the team is up to the task to eliminate their opponent as the team has beefed up the squad since after they returned from the Gambia.
Allieu stated that some of the following players are expected to be part of the team Cecilia Bangura, Mariatu Conteh, Fatmata Kamara, Nansu Bundor, Aminata Lebbie, Martha Conteh, Yeabu Sesay, Zainaba Sesay, Jamatu Kamara and host of other players.
He also stated that the visitors are expected to arrive today ahead of the match tomorrow with a 25 man delegation and the match officials will be coming from Cameroon and the match commissioner from Liberia.

SLFA executive meets in Makeni

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:16:20 +0000

Sources within the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) have disclosed that executive members of the football Association met on Tuesday in Makeni.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss matters pertaining to the hosting of the return leg of the Sierra Leone U-17 female team and their Gambian counterparts.
The executive according to the source say they were able to discuss matters on how to update the dressing rooms of the field and to negotiate for accommodation for the two teams, match officials and the match Commissioner.
The return match will be played on Saturday 4th February 2012 at the Wusum grounds in Makeni. Sierra Starlet lost to their Gambian counterpart by three goals to nil (3-0) at the Independence Stadium in Bakau-the Gambia
The visiting team is expected to arrive on Friday 3rd February 2012 for
the all important match. A draw will see them through while the Sierra Starlets need to score with a four goals margin to qualify for the next stage of the competition.

Handball scribe talks about the way forward in 2012

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:16:16 +0000

The Secretary General of the Handball Association A G Koroma has disclosed plans for the way forward for Handball this year 2012.
He said they are going to focus on the two most important agenda items which are taking Handball to the schools as an experimental Program and also the construction of an indoor sports hall.
The Handball Scribe said that Handball in schools can be taken from the objectives of the pilot project of November last year launched in Freetown, Masiaka, and Lungi.
He also revealed that the ‘free’ offer/donation of a Taraflex/Gerlfor indoor standard Handball Court by the IHF can lead the way towards the search for support for the construction of the much needed playing surface.
He also revealed that as a follow up to the Handball at schools project the President of the SLHA Dr Patrick Coker has won a project with the IOC through the NOC for the Development of a national sports structure in Handball, with the aim of establishing the National Federation of Handball, and coherent and realistic mid to long term development plans such as training of coaches and schools programs.
It also includes the Training of local coaches and /or persons who will continue the work initiated by the expert once the project has ended and improving the different training programs.

Freetown City FC to host Kissy All Stars

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:16:13 +0000

The Premier League will continue today Thursday 2nd February 2012 at the National Stadium in Freetown between Freetown City FC and Kissy All Stars.
The match is going to be tense as Freetown City FC who have lost their last match against FC Kallon are coming very strong to make sure that they win today’s match to secure their first winning in the league.
On the other hand Kissy All Stars who have drawn three matches in a row are going into today’s match to secure their first win in the league. Any other result apart from a win will not be good for the team.
Tomorrow Friday 3rd February 2012 the league will continue between Gem Stars of Tongo hosting FC Kallon and in Kono, Diamond Stars will host Bo Rangers.
Wusum Stars is now leading the table with 9 points while Bo Rangers and FC Johansen are both sharing 8 points with Bo Rangers leading with goal differences.

Old Edwardians battles with Ports Authority today

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:39:43 +0000

As the Premier League continues today, Old Edwardians will play away to defending champions, Ports Authority at the National Stadium, in what has been referred to as a do or die battle since both teams are going for a win. Both teams have lost their first two matches.
Speaking to Awoko Sports, the acting Secretary General of the Old Edwardians FC, Amidu Koroma said his team is prepared to take all three points in today’s encounter, noting that any result order than a win will affect the team’s standing in the league as they have lost their first two matches.
He said his team’s lineup today will be different from what was presented in their first two matches. He indicated that they are going to use more of their older players.
The Chairman of the Ports Authority Media Committee, Musa Sesay on the other hand told Awoko Sports that his team is going into today’s match purely to secure a win. “A lose or a draw are not options for us in today’s match,” adding that if they lose “our fans will lose confidence in us,” he stated.
At the Bo Coronation Field on Monday, January 30th 2012, Bo Rangers continued in their fine form to defeat a well played Central Parade FC by two goals to one (2-1). Meanwhile, Wusum Stars is leading the league table with 9 points from 4 matches and in second place is FC Johansen with 8 points from 4 matches.

Old Edwardians Old Boys may take over Team

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:39:43 +0000

President of the Old Edwardians Old Boys Association, Gibrilla Saccoh has disclosed the likelihood of the association taking over the football team.
He said that they are preparing to come onboard the management of the football club’s affairs to ensure that it regains its past glory.
He was speaking at the St. Edwards Secondary School ground at Kingtom during the school’s cleaning exercise last Saturday, January 28th 2012. Saccoh disclosed that as part of the several meetings being held as part of the school’s 90th Anniversary, the Old Boys have discussed the possibility of taking over management of the team.
He said that once the discussions are completed and a consensus reached, they will ensure that thirty Old Boys take responsibility of paying from their personal purses thirty players their monthly salaries and allowances.
“As you can see we have already constructed the School fence and we are calling on all Edwardians to come onboard and join us in paying back to our Alma meter which has made us what we are today,” he stated.
The Development Secretary in Charge of infrastructure, who is also Vice Chairman Sporting Committee, Brima Keita said he believes that with the current executive headed by Gibrilla Saccoh they are experiencing rapid development.
“The School won an AWOL national award 2011 and we want to make sure we have a very structured Football team taking into consideration that ours is one of the oldest football clubs in the Country,” he said.
Keita further stated that they are anticipating that the old boys who are coming from abroad to celebrate the 90th anniversary will make a great difference to the development of the school.
“We would likely encourage Old Boys to come onboard and buy shares in the Club in the near future but for now. We want to make sure we handle the affairs of the club well by ensuring that the players and coaches are paid without any delay. Once we are able to maintain this trend, they would be motivated to work hard to regain the team’s lost football glory,” he assured.