AYV News, August 19, 2025
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) officially introduced Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB) as the new Team Manager (TM) for Leone Stars on Monday, 18th August, 2025, at SLFA Academy on Battery Street.
With this new chapter, the team is set to push forward with fresh energy and renewed commitment to success.
TM AKB kicked off his remarks by thanking God for the opportunity and calling his appointment ‘the will of God’. He didn’t take long to show his gratitude toward SLFA President Babadi Kamara and his Executive Committee, thanking them for trusting him with the responsibility to lead the team.
“This goes beyond football; it’s about serving our people, representing our country, and carrying the pride of Sierra Leone on and off the pitch.” His focus is to build a team that not only competes but unites the nation.
He directed his first message to the technical staff, steered by Coach Mohamed Kallon: “We depend on you. The country depends on you. The SLFA will provide you with all the support needed to prepare the team. Your job is to focus on the game and deliver the results we all expect.”
Turning to the players, the new Leone Stars TM reminded them that wearing the green, white, and blue jersey is a huge honor. “You represent 8 million Sierra Leoneans. It’s not just about your talent; discipline, respect, and teamwork matter just as much. We’ll give you an environment where you can focus on performing at your best. Your responsibility is to work hard, win for Sierra Leone, and make us proud.”
Abdul Karim Bangura’s vision is centered on unity. He stressed that everyone, from the technical team to the players, would be expected to come together with a single purpose. “We win as a team, we lose as a team. Whatever happens, we stand together,” he said, assuring the players and staff that his leadership would ensure a focused, professional atmosphere.
“We need to qualify for AFCON and the World Cup. The people of Sierra Leone are expecting that from us. We will work to make them proud.”
The TM also reminded the team of Leone Stars’ power to unite the nation, regardless of political or regional divides. “When we qualified for the Nations Cup, it wasn’t APC or SLPP in the streets, it was Sierra Leone. The team stands for all of us.”
Head Coach Mohamed Kallon shared in the excitement, grateful for the full backing of TM AKB and President Babadi Kamara. “Winning is what drives us, and with the President and Manager AKB’s support, we are confident we can take this team to the next level.
“Having the right resources and backing is key, and we know we are in good hands with AKB at the helm,” Coach Kallon ended.
