Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles departs Luawa FC by mutual consent
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sebastian Bowles departs Luawa FC by mutual consent

Luawa Football Club have announced that they have parted ways with their head coach, British-born Sebastian Bowles, who had been in charge since the start of the Sierra Leone Premier League 2023/24 season.

Luawa has lost three of their last four games, resulting in a drop of 11 points out of a possible 12. They are currently in 9th place with 31 points after winning eight games, drawing nine, and losing nine in the ongoing season.

Coach Sillah, previously the Assistant Coach, will now be the head coach of the club.

They confirmed that Coach Bowles has departed from the club by mutual agreement. “Coach Seb, as he is affectionately known, has been with us for eight months and has made significant contributions to the transformation of the club during his tenure,” the clubs stated.

“Unfortunately, due to safety concerns following an assault he experienced and despite all efforts to reassure his family of his security, Coach Seb and his family feel it is no longer safe for him to remain with the club.”

We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Seb for his time with us and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Coach Seb will always be a part of our history as we build a unique football development program in Sierra Leone.

Related News… New Boss Excited by Luawa Challenge

Brighton's Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba set to boost Cameroon squad

Cameroon’s national football team, the “Indomitable Lions,” is set to add Carlos Baleba to its squad after his recent agreement to represent the team.

Football Sierra Leone understands that the announcement of the squad will provide insight into Brys’s vision for Cameroon’s footballing future.

Baleba is one of Africa’s most promising talents and has emerged as an exceptional midfielder since his transfer to Brighton from Lille last summer.

Baleba, 20, joined Albion in August 2023 from Lille, signing a five-year contract.

Baleba’s absence from Cameroon’s squad during the last Africa Cup of Nations caused controversy, but he has now agreed to play for the team.

Head coach Marc Brys is expected to be named Brighton’s player for the World Cup 2026 upcoming matches against Cape Verde and Angola.Africa’s 

Sébastien Haller eyes in UEFA Champions League final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Sébastien Haller could join Uefa Champions League elite

 
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final will take place at London’s historic Wembley Stadium. This is the 69th season of Europe’s elite club competition and the 32nd since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League.
 
 
 
 
 
Emmanuel Samadia's Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Samadia’s Hartford suffer defeat to Charleston

On Saturday, Emmanuel Samadia, a Sierra Leone International, made his first start in the USL Championship as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Charleston Battery.

It was his eighth appearance in all competition for the Sierra Leonean defender, who is working hard to capture regular first-team football under boss Brendan Burke. 

They failed to equalize with the first-place team in the Eastern Conference after conceding a goal early in the first half.

Charleston took control of the game, scoring the first goal in the 11th minute through Nick Markanich who delivered a left-footed bicycle kick off a corner kick.

Hartford kept the score at 1-0 by blocking three of Charleston’s next five shots and holding the back line.

In the final minutes of the first half, Hartford almost scored an equalizer when Romario Williams hit the post after a pass from Michee Ngalina.

Charleston threatened throughout the game, but Hartford improved their attacking play after the 55th minute.

Marcus Epps had three attempts, but only two were on target. In stoppage time, Hartford nearly equalized, but Anderson Asiedu’s pass to Michee Ngalina was saved.

Hartford lost, dropping to 3-4-0. Renan Ribeiro made his Athletic debut, allowing only one goal and making five saves. The next game will be held on May 11th at 7:00 PM against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Trinity Health Stadium.

Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Emmanuel Samadia Insights of personal Match statistics
Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone defender Osman Kakay confirms exit from QPR

The QPR full-back, Osman Kakay, has confirmed leaving his boyhood club after 19 years of service to the London club Queens Park Rangers.

The Sierra Leone defender established himself in the R’s squad during the extended 2019/20 season, making seven appearances. 

In 2021, he helped Sierra Leone qualify for the African Cup of Nations. In the 2022/23 season, he made 24 appearances for QPR.

Kakay, who played 26 games this season, announced that he is leaving QPR, his childhood club. He wrote, “It is time for me to say goodbye to QPR. I have been part of the club since I was 7 years old, and I am thankful for everything the club has done for me and my family.”

Having come through the academy and eventually making over 100 appearances for the club, it means the world to me, especially, as a local boy growing up in South Kilburn. 

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the coaches and staff who have supported me throughout my journey. It has been a pleasure to share the pitch with so many of my teammates. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart who have stood by me through the highs and lows. It has been an honour to play for QPR, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”