The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone has approved 20 billion old leones to finance Leone Stars’ FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Burkina Faso.
Dr. Saffa said: “What the SLFA is doing is a prototype, and the other sports need to replicate it. Football is playing all around the country, and that is good because it engages the youths.”
On taking a new course to ensure fiscal discipline, he said government has catered for 44 individuals to make the Leone Stars trip, adding; “There are many challenges in the country at the moment. We can use sports to solve these problems, and that is the reason the Government is spending huge amount of money in sports, football in particular.
“As the new Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, the Djibouti and Burkina Faso matches are my first and second matches. I have spoken with the Coach informally, and we need to win these matches in order to put us in a better position for the World Cup qualification in 2026. We cannot just be participants but competitors”.
Ranked 126th globally, Sierra Leone enters the match as the favorite against Djibouti, who sit 66 places below them. The 15,000-seater Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium will provide the backdrop for this significant encounter. With Egypt leading Group A and Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau close behind, Sierra Leone sees this match as a crucial opportunity to climb the ranks.
Ethiopia and Sierra Leone are currently tied on one point each, while Djibouti has yet to secure any points after two consecutive losses. A victory against Djibouti could propel Sierra Leone’s campaign forward as they aim to make their mark on the global stage. Following their clash with Djibouti, Sierra Leone will face Burkina Faso on June 10th, 2024, in what promises to be another fiercely contested match.
The Leone Stars are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for these crucial fixtures. With hopes high and determination at its peak, the team is focused on delivering standout performances that will keep their World Cup dreams alive. Head coach, players, and fans alike are rallying behind the national team as they strive for success on the international stage.
Sierra Leone’s journey in the World Cup qualifiers has been marked by both challenges and opportunities. Despite a draw against Ethiopia and a defeat to Egypt in Group A, the team remains undeterred in their pursuit of victory. With the support of their passionate fan base and a relentless drive to succeed, Sierra Leone is ready to write a new chapter in their footballing history.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, anticipation is building among football enthusiasts worldwide. Sierra Leone’s clash with Djibouti and subsequent battle with Burkina Faso are poised to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable memories. For the Leone Stars, these matches represent more than just games; they are a chance to showcase their talent, determination, and national pride on the global stage.
