Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Milan star Rodney Strasser feels 'honored' to be among the greats at the FIFA Congress.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Rodney Strasser feels ‘honoured’ to be at FIFA Congress

Ex-AC Milan star Rodney Strasser expressed his honour at being the first Sierra Leonean football legend to represent his country at the 2024 FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The 74th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 17th May 2024, gathering delegates from 211 member associations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center for a five-day international event.  

One of the main agenda items will be the confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. This will mark Thailand’s first time hosting a FIFA Congress, making it a significant event for the country.  

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.

He highlighted the importance of showcasing the work of the Rodney Strasser Foundation and advocating for professional football players and children in sports in Sierra Leone.  

He stated, “My journey is not just about me, but about the countless young athletes and communities who deserve support and recognition. At the FIFA Congress, I aim to share our foundation’s initiatives, promote the development of football in Sierra Leone, and network with global leaders in the sport. I aspire to inspire change, foster collaboration, and bring hope to those who need it most.”

Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Rodney expressed his gratitude for the opportunity after sharing a photo with football legends such as Brazilian Cafu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ex-Nigerian International Mikel Obi, and others.
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Orihuela’s Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June qualifiers

Spanish club Orihuela C.F. has confirmed that midfielder Alusine Koroma from Sierra Leone has been called up for the June World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso. 

Koroma has been an important player for Sergi Guilló and is performing well with his new team as they aim for promotion in the Second RFEF.

Sierra Leone will play their next qualification matches against Djibouti and Burkina Faso next month at the Stade El Abdi and Stade du 26 Mars in Morocco and Mali, respectively.

Last Sunday, Koroma played for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg match. Juanmi Callejón scored the only goal for the home team, giving them an advantage in the promotion race. The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans supporting the team led by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since joining the club. He will be looking to contribute significantly to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá, leading them to the playoff final.

Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Orihuela's Alusine Koroma to join Sierra Leone for June World Cup qualifiers
Indy Eleven striker named in USL Championship Team of the Week
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Indy Eleven striker Augustine Williams in USL Team of the Week

Sierra Leone international Augustine Williams has been selected for the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.

Williams scored a brace for Indy Eleven in their 3-1 victory against Miami FC. He took a season-high nine shots overall and won 3 of 4 aerial duels.

It was hs fifth of the season as they defeated Miami 3-1 in the ongoing season. 

His teammate defender Aedan Stanley was voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording the first two-assist game of his career and helping lead Indy to a 3-1 victory against Miami FC on Sunday night, extending the club’s current undefeated run.

Indy Eleven remains unbeaten in six consecutive matches, including four in USL Championship play, following their victory over Miami FC, an Eastern Conference opponent.

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 10 of the 2024 regular season on Tuesday.
Sierra Leone's Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Malachi Jones opens his NYFC MLS account 

New York City FC achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory against Toronto FC in an away game on Saturday night. The MLS side’s Sierra Leonean player, Malachi Jones, scored his first goal for the team.

City took the lead in the first half with a penalty kick by Santiago Rodríguez. Just before halftime, Malachi Jones scored his first MLS goal with an impressive finish but went off due to injury. 

Although Federico Bernardeschi scored a goal for Toronto in the 55th minute, Andrés Perea restored City’s two-goal lead in the 77th minute. 

Toronto managed to score again in the 89th minute thanks to Raoul Petretta, but Perea’s first goal of the season was enough to secure City’s win.

Malachi Jones, who was picked as the eighth overall pick in the First Round from Lipscomb University, joined New York City after making 35 appearances for the Bisons over two seasons, scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. 

In the past season, he led the NCAA ASUN Conference in total assists and assists per game, earning him United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team Honors and being named First Team All-ASUN for the second consecutive season.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their promotion first-leg tie.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma’s Orihuela win RFEF playoff first-leg 

On Sunday, Sierra Leone International Alusine Koroma featured for 83 minutes as Orihuela CF defeated CF Badalona Futur 1-0 in their Segunda RFEF promotion playoff first-leg tie. 

In a closely contested match at Estadio Municipal Los Arcos stadium, Juanmi Callejón scored the sole goal for the home team, providing them with an advantage in the promotion race.

The stadium atmosphere was incredible, with fans offering their undivided support to the team captained by Sergi Guilló.

Koroma has played in 26 matches across all competitions since he joined the club.  He will be hoping to make a significant contribution to help his team win in the second leg on Sunday, May 19.

Orihuela CF achieved a crucial 3-2 victory against San Roque de Lepe, thanks to a double from Miguel Ángel De Las Cuevas Barberá. This result has led them to the playoff final.