Author: FSL News

* Established in 2014 © 2021 FSL MediaFootball Sierra Leone - all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean footballers at home and abroad.Founded by Alie Ahmed Bittar in 2014, Bittar is one of the leading journalists from Sierra Leone with over 25 years covering football.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.We aim to continue pursuing up-to-date reports for our readers in Sierra Leone and across the globe.FSL Media is always informative, accurate and consistent. Make Football Sierra Leone Your daily news feed.Follow our social media pages on Twitter @football_sierra, Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook. Permission to use our content is granted subject to crediting our website as the source.Contact: Managing Editor Alie Ahmed Bittar - Email: bittar@footballsierraleone.com - Tel: +44 (0) 7861141119
DR Congo's striker Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal
by FSL News

DR Congo’s Kabongo Tshimanga pens Crawley Town deal

After being released by League One team Peterborough United, DR Congo striker Kabongo Tshimanga has inked a two-year deal with Crawley Town Football Club.

Tshimanga has demonstrated his ability as a goalscorer by enjoying fruitful runs with sides like Boreham Wood and Chesterfield. Last season, he scored 13 goals in an amazing loan season at Swindon Town.

For four straight seasons during his time at Oxford City, Boreham Wood, and Chesterfield, Tshimanga, 26, was chosen for the Team of the Year. Among his many personal accolades are Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at several teams.

Having previously represented England C, his best year was in 2018–19 at Oxford City, where he scored an amazing 37 goals in all contests. Before relocating to Peterborough in January 2023, Tshimanga had scored 74 goals over 141 outings. With Crawley Town, he would want to recover his scoring ability.

Kabby could play in Friday’s friendly against Hearts; he is presently training with the team in Spain.

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates
by FSL News

Abdeslam Ouaddou named new Head Coach of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi supports the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the new coach. He believes Ouaddou is the right choice to replace Jose Riveiro, who has joined Al Ahly in Egypt.

The Buccaneers have officially announced the appointment of the former Marumo Gallants coach. He will be supported by Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich, and Tyron Damons.

“Listen, he did well at Marumo Gallants. Pirates supporters need to rally behind him and show confidence, saying we believe in you. We saw the great work he did at Gallants and hope he can bring that success to Pirates,” Vilakazi said in an interview with Sowetan.

“He’s a capable coach based on his achievements with Gallants, where he improved their position without a pre-season. With the talent and resources at Pirates, I believe he can elevate the club.

This is a chance for him to create his legacy, especially working with quality players. If given time, I am confident he will succeed. Having a pre-season will certainly help.

Born in Alnif, Morocco, the 46-year-old Ouaddou has extensive experience as both a player and coach, earning 68 caps for the national team and playing in top European leagues.”

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria
by FSL News

CAF mourns victims of horrific football stadium disaster in Algeria

Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, expressed condolences to the Algerian Football Federation, the government, and the people of Algeria after a tragic incident during MC Alger’s League Title celebrations that led to three deaths and over 70 injuries.

Football fans died, and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper tier of a stadium in Algeria on Saturday. MC Alger secured their league title with a goalless draw against NC Magra, but joy quickly turned to panic after the final whistle.

Local media reported that a security barrier broke at the Stade du 5 Juillet, causing multiple spectators to fall from a high point into the mostly empty section below. Emergency services rushed to the scene to help the injured in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. Nearby fans were left shocked.

Photos taken after the incident clearly show where the barrier gave way at the stadium, which can hold 64,200 people. MC Alger’s players had been celebrating just moments earlier. The Algerian Ministry of Health stated that the Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were confirmed. Ben Aknoun Hospital treated 27 injured people, and Bab El Oued Hospital took in 16.

According to Algeria’s Ministry of Health, three spectators died and over 70 were injured during the football match between MC Alger and Najem Magra.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed deep sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the Algerian government and the affected families. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured and affirmed CAF’s commitment to assist the Fédération Algérienne de Football.

Angolan Abdenego Nankishi joins VfB Stuttgart
by FSL News

Angolan Abdenego Nankishi joins VfB Stuttgart

Abdenego Nankishi, whose parents are from Angola, has joined VfB Stuttgart’s U21 team after leaving SV Werder Bremen.

He is the second new player for the U21 team this season. Nankishi, a left winger, moves from the club based in Cannstatt.

At 22 years old, he started training at Werder Bremen at the U13 level and eventually reached the first team.

During the 2021/2022 season, he made seven appearances for the second-division team but could not break into the senior squad due to an injury.

In the next two seasons, Nankishi went on loan to Heracles Almelo, a Dutch first-division club, where he scored three goals in the Eredivisie. After that, he had a loan spell with a third-division team in Munich in the second half of the 2023/2024 season. Last year, he made 17 appearances for Werder Bremen’s U23 team, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

Now that his contract with Werder Bremen has ended, Nankishi will join the U21 team in the 3rd division.

Stephan Hildebrandt, the director of the youth academy, said: “We are happy to have our new signing from the far north. He will play an important role on the attacking wing.

Abed has many skills, is fast, and understands the game well. He has gained some experience in the 3rd division. We believe he will improve our team and has great development potential for VfB.”

Jonathan Bamba contributes to Chicago's dominant victory over DC United
by FSL News

Jonathan Bamba contributes to Chicago’s dominant victory over DC United

Ivorian Jonathan Bamba and Osman Bukari played key roles in helping the Chicago Fire and Austin FC secure victories in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

At Audi Field, Chicago quickly took the lead against DC United, scoring twice in the first 24 minutes, including a goal from Ivorian winger Bamba. Bamba also assisted on Tom Barlow’s second goal, contributing to a surprising 7-1 victory.

Despite leaving the game due to injury, he has been a standout player for Chicago, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 16 league matches for the ninth-place team in the Eastern Conference.

In the second match of the day, Austin FC also won, thanks to Bukari, who provided an assist in their 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Ghanaian winger crossed the ball to Mikkel Desler, who scored the opening goal in the 6th minute.

With this win, Austin ended a six-match winless streak. Bukari now has one goal and three assists in eighteen MLS games this season, including three assists in his last five matches.

League action concludes on Sunday with three matches, including Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga facing Sporting Kansas City. During the international window, MLS saw limited activity, with only two games on Saturday.

At Audi Field, the Chicago Fire took an early lead against DC United, with Jonathan Bamba scoring the second goal in the 24th minute, leading to a dominant 7-1 win. Bamba also assisted Tom Barlow and has recorded three goals and seven assists this season, helping Chicago to ninth in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, Austin FC defeated Colorado Rapids 2-0, thanks in part to Osman Bukari, who assisted Mikkel Desler’s opening goal in the sixth minute.

This victory allowed Austin FC to break a six-match winless streak. Bukari’s contributions this season now include one goal and three assists in eighteen MLS games, with three assists in his last five matches.

As the weekend concludes, league action will continue on Sunday with three games, including Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga facing Sporting Kansas City.