Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon's Leone Stars ultimatum
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Dr Abdulai refutes news of Kallon’s Leone Stars ultimatum

A report on an ultimatum given by Leone Stars head coach Mohamed Kallon regarding his pay have been refuted by Dr. Emmanuel Safa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority.

Coach Kallon has demanded a $20,000 monthly salary or else he would quit, according to the Tribune Times.

“The Kallon contractual negotiation is ongoing. He has not given any ultimatums, we are discussing the final details of his contract. Yes, I am in the middle of the negotiations and figures are floated here and there, however there has never been an ultimatum,” the Luawa FC owner responded.

It is now clear that the negotiations and contractual agreement are still pending since the former Inter Milan striker was appointed as head coach. Kallon began his tenure with a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau but subsequently lost to Egypt in March this year during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers.

ASC Jaraaf pick first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

ASC Jaraaf lift first Senegal Ligue 1 title since 2018

Asc Jaraaf has won the Senegal Ligue 1 title for the 2024/25 season, confirming the victory on the final day. This is their first victory in 2018.

In an away game, Jaraaf defeated ASC HLM 4–1; second-place US Gorée dropped to Guédiawaye. The defeat of Gorée gave Jaraaf their 13th straight title.

Jaraaf had a great season under coach Malick Daf, getting to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup and almost to the quarterfinals.

With 54 points, three points ahead of Gorée, Jaraaf ended the year. Daf told Wiwsport that the title race was close-fought. He stated, “We maintained concentration all the way through. We had to win; there was no way we would have settled for a draw when we were head and head with US Gorée.”

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leonean Women’s AFCON referee Fullah speaks of her dreams

Chosen to officiate at the next TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, July 5–26, 2025, a top female referee from Sierra Leone, Aminata Fullah, is dreaming of fulfilling her goal of refereeing at a FIFA World Cup.

One of the continental officials appointed to supervise the upcoming continental exhibition under the direction of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a structural adjustment driven by the need to improve inclusivity, competition, and visibility for women’s football throughout Africa, Fullah is working to advance in her field.

This appointment is a major turning point in her refereeing life. Aminata’s distinction as the first Sierra Leonean official to work an AFCON tournament highlights her outstanding talent and unrelenting passion for the game.

Acknowledging this achievement

“It holds significant value for my career. From the moment I began refereeing, my goal has been to leave a lasting impact on myself and the profession. I have committed myself to working diligently to realise this aspiration,” she shared with this platform.

“For me, this is merely the start; my goal is to officiate at a FIFA World Cup final. It’s a dream of mine, and with the grace of the Almighty, I believe I will achieve it.”

Regarding Inspiring Girls Who Aspire to Follow Her Path!

“It provides me with greater hope and motivation to strive harder than ever because such recognition serves as an inspiration, not just to me, but to other young girls in Sierra Leone and across the continent who wish to pursue refereeing as a career.”

“Indeed, this marks my first significant assignment, and I saw on social media that it’s also the first occasion in Sierra Leone football history to have a referee at a CAF international tournament.”

“I have officiated local matches, participated in regional WAFU A competitions, and been involved in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but this is my debut in a major CAF tournament, like the Women’s African Cup of Nations.”

I commenced my career in 2020 and have consistently put in the effort to reach this point and beyond. My passion for refereeing remains strong, and by the grace of God, I envision myself still in this profession five years from now and further. I aspire to be a top-tier referee not only in Africa but globally, inshallah.”

The opening match of the tournament will be played in Rabat at the newly-built Olympic Stadium between hosts Morocco and Zambia on 5 July, two of Africa’s most improved women’s football nations since the finals were last played in 2022.

The match will kick off at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT).

  • Group A | Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Group B | Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
  • Group C | South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Kumba set to play UEFA Women's Champions League with Riga
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Kumba set to play UEFA Women’s Champions League with Riga

Kumba Zainab Brima has joined FC Riga’s women’s premier side on a two-year deal ahead of the new campaign and is set to compete in the UEFA Women’s Champions League next month.

FC Riga will be participating in this year’s Women’s UEFA Champions League, providing a great platform for the Sierra Leonean international to showcase her style and skills on the biggest stage.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League first and second qualifying round draws have been made to begin the new-look competition.

Riga’s ladies begin against Estonia side Tallinna FC Flora (EST) vs Riga FC Women (LVA) next month.

The club announced her signing via their social media pages, making her the first player from Sierra Leone to join them.

Known by her nickname, “Pele,” Kumba has been a standout player since arriving at the local club FC Kallon.

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Steven Caulker pens player and coach deal with Stjarnan in Iceland

Former Sierra Leone international Steven Caulker has signed a deal as both a player and assistant coach with Icelandic top-tier club Stjarnan FC.

“We are proud and honoured to announce that Steven Caulker has joined Stjarnan, taking on a dual role as player-assistant coach for the men’s first team,” the Iceland top-tier side noted.

Steven Caulker has had a successful career in football. He has played over 150 matches in the English Premier League for teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, QPR, and Southampton.

He has also played for the England national team and later led Sierra Leone as captain in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Recently, Steven continued his career in Turkey, playing for Alanyaspor, Fenerbahçe, and Fatih Karagümrük, where he was an important player and a leader.

Most recently, he made 33 appearances for Ankara Keçiörengücü SK in the Turkish First League.

“We warmly welcome Steven Caulker to Stjarnan and believe our community will make him feel at home in Garðabær.”