Category: Sport News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new J League 2 campaign
by FSL News

Striker Amadou Bakayoko looking forward to new JLeague 2 campaign

Sierra Leone striker Amadou Bakayoko is excited about the upcoming season in JLeague 2.

On July 28, 2024, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo announced they signed Bakayoko. He made his debut on August 16 and scored his first goal from a penalty in a 5–3 win over Sagan Tosu. Unfortunately, the team was relegated to JLeague 2 last season.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo will start their campaign away against Oita Trinita next Sunday, and Bakayoko is looking forward to it.

He is counting down the days until the season starts again. Bakayoko told FSL News, “I can’t wait for the new season to start.

With the new manager, we have a new style of play that suits me well, and I hope the team has a strong season. Our first game is on February 16, but because of the cold and snowy weather in Sapporo, we will play our first three games in Kumamoto. We will return for our first home game on March 9.

I’m happy with my preseason form, having scored three goals in three games, which is good preparation for the start of the season.”

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara signs first professional contract

Sierra Leone descent Aaron Kamara has penned his first Professional contract with London club West Ham United.

The Academy midfielder recently helped the U18 team reach the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup by winning a penalty shootout against Manchester United. He signed his contract at the Chadwell Heath Academy Training Ground.

“This week has been amazing,” he said. “Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true.”

Kamara began playing for Peckham Town and was scouted while at Southend United’s Academy. After a successful trial, he joined West Ham at the U14 level and signed a full-time scholarship last summer.

“I’m thrilled because not many people from my area get this chance. I want to make the most of it,” he said, thanking his parents for their support.

At 17, Kamara has played in various positions for the U18 team, including his preferred defensive midfield role.

Kenny Brown, the Academy Manager, praised Kamara’s versatility and potential. “He understands what each position requires and performs well wherever he plays.”

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Sierra Leone defender Steven Caulker reflects his time at Tottenham

As a teenager, Caulker showed talent in athletics and chose to pursue football with his local club, Hounslow Borough. He initially played as a central midfielder but moved to central defence after a coach’s advice. At 15 years old, he played one match as a centre-back for Hounslow and received trial offers from seven clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Caulker joined the Tottenham Hotspur youth team, starting with the Under-18s in the 2007–08 season. In the 2008–09 season, he made 31 appearances, scored one goal, and captained the team. He also played five matches for the reserve team. His strong performance led him to sign his first professional contract with Tottenham in July 2009.

After loan spells at Yeovil Town, Bristol City, and Swansea City, he returned to the London club on July 5, 2012, and signed a new four-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur, lasting until the summer of 2016.

In discussing the players at Tottenham, he highlighted Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.

The best player I’ve played with: is Gareth Bale. In the 2012-2013 season, Gareth was amazing. He kept us in the top-four race with his last-minute goals. He is very humble and a great professional.

The best player I’ve trained with: “Luka Modrić. I was 16 when I joined the first team for a training session; I was nervous. Luka walked out to training calmly. He is a fantastic player. He can see passes quickly, and his balls have perfect weight.

On training with world-class players – I have been lucky to play and train with many of the world’s best players: Steven Gerrard, Phil Coutinho, Ryan Giggs, Mesut Özil, Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, Sadio Mané, and Arda Güler, among others.

They all have different skills, but they share one important thing: discipline. Rio was always first in line for warm-ups. Gareth took care of his body to recover well. Ryan did yoga even at 40, and Harry always practised his finishing.

Most did not talk much in the dressing room; they let their football speak for them. I don’t think there is one way to be great, but from my experience, without discipline, few players stay at the top for long—myself included.”

New Roma acquisition Anass Salah-Eddine left of Europa League
by Football Sierra Leone

Moroccan descent Anass Salah-Eddine left out of Roma Europa League squad

Moroccan descent, Salah-Eddine, the ninth Dutch footballer to join AS Roma, has been left out of the club’s squad for the Europa League knockout stage.

He recently transferred from FC Twente to Roma for a fee reported to be up to €10 million. Despite this high price, Salah-Eddine is not included in Roma’s squad for the Round of 16.

This means the Dutch-Moroccan defender will miss Roma’s important match against FC Porto. If Roma advances further, they might face his former team, FC Twente, who are set to play against FK Bodø/Glimt.

Born on January 18, 2002, Salah-Eddine grew up in the youth programs at AZ Alkmaar and Ajax. He made his senior debut for Ajax in 2022. He later established himself at Twente, first on loan in the 2022-23 season and then by joining the club permanently in 2024.

Zimbabwe International Tawanda Chirewa on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa pens loan deal with Huddersfield Town from Wolverhampton

English League One side Huddersfield Town have confirmed the signing of Tawanda Chirewa on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will play for the team until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Tawanda Chirewa, 21, is a full international player for Zimbabwe. He was loaned to Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship for the first half of the 2024/25 season before returning to Wolves earlier this month.

Wolves value Chirewa highly. He has already played in eight Premier League games and two Emirates FA Cup matches, including the derby against West Bromwich Albion. He was last on the bench for Wolves during their victory over Aston Villa last Saturday.

Chirewa was born in Chelmsford and began his youth career at Ipswich Town. He joined Wolves in September 2023 and made his international debut for Zimbabwe in March 2024.

He is the fourth player to join Huddersfield Town during the January 2025 transfer window, following Ruben Roosken, Joe Taylor, and Dion Charles. Chirewa will wear the number 27 shirt.

Tawanda Chirewa, the new signing, expressed his excitement about joining the club: “I’m really happy to be here and grateful for this opportunity during an important time in the season.

“I’ve heard great things from Nigel and Joe about the club, the coaches, and the fans. I can’t wait to experience it myself. I had other options, but Huddersfield Town felt right. After speaking with Mark and Michael, I’m eager to start as soon as possible.”