By East End Lions Media and Communications Unit
League Leaders East End Lions arrived safely in Kenema City ahead of the clash with Kamboi Eagles. Following the historic win at Trade Centre Playing Ground last Monday, the Killers’ Delegation led by Deputy Secretary General, Alhaji Abdul Rahman Davies has arrived safely in Kenema City ahead of the premier league encounter with Kamboi Eagles Football Club.
After leaving The Eagles to join East End Lions at the end of last season, Coach Francis Zappa Koroma lamented that the match day three fixture with his former side is one of the matches he has been looking forward to, and having managed The Eagles for the large part of the 2021-22 premier league season, adds extra spice to this fixture
“I know The Eagles and Kenema City very well. It’s a very nice place with really good people. They are a good and tough opponent. I understand the euphoria and hype around the city when Lions comes to town. We are ready for every match this season with the same enthusiasm and mentality. I have prepared my team very well. I trust my boys and I am very optimistic for a positive outcome.” said Coach Zappa.
Right-Back Musa Kamara aka Alves who returned to the club after a successful loan spell with The Eagles last season expresses his delight in facing his old side. “I have good memories with Kamboi Eagles Football Club and made really good friends but I am here now representing my parent club.
The focus is to get the job done and return to Freetown happy. It’s a tough challenge but we believe in ourselves that we can cross this huddle and so many other in the weeks to come.”
Coach Zappa has an almost fully fit Squad as the team looks set to maintainits100% record in the league after registering consecutive wins to regain top spot with two points clear.
Ibrahim Kamara (Eto’o) and Abu Kanu (Abedi) remains unavailable, Joseph Sam (Ballack), Foday Kamara (Bale), and Herie Kamara also misses out on the trip.
The team is set for a training session later today at the Kenema City Field at 4:15pm as part of its preparation and readiness for the match, scheduled to kick off at 4:15pm at the same venue on Friday 23rd December, 2022.
In similar development, the East End Lions Football Club has celebrated the first competitive match in the historic Trade Centre Playing Ground with a vital victory over Wusum Stars to return to the apex of Sierra Leone Premier League Table.
Monday 19th December, 2022 will remain in the annals of East End Lions Football Club forever, as competitive football returns to the Club’s traditional home for the first time in over two decades.
The management, staff and football loving fans gathered around hours before kick-off to mark the emotional return to the ground.
Something they have being craving and crying about for so many years. The dream is finally here. The turnout was remarkable.
“When I assumed office as Chairman of this great club, I prayed for divine wisdom to help me transform our Club to the level it should be. I thank God for answering my prayers. I am so proud of this achievement. It was herculean and daunting at times. It’s has been coming for a very longtime. I am very thankful to my Executive with specific reference to my ice Chairman Mohamed Gento Kamara for the tremendous support in making this dream a reality.”
Chairman Amb. Anthony Navo Jr said: “We have been facing many issues that requires tough decisions and choices, which can sometimes be disappointing, costly and frustrating, but I am uncompromising in my determination to deliver something extraordinary to our fans. By the grace of God, the Astro Turf will be ready by the end of March 2023. I believe investing in the playing staff and the facilities is the best way to enhance productive results at the end. I am really happy for this historic day” Chairman Navo continued.
Coach Francis Zappa Koroma, a former defender and current Head Coach of the Club expressed his delight in seeing what some thought was an impossible dream becomes a reality. “I know what it means to be associated with this great club as a player, and fan and now a coach.
Returning to the Trade Centre for competitive football matches are something worth celebrating and to be part of this history is one thing I will forever be cherished. Thanks to the Chairman and his team for such a wonderful achievement.”
And, after a series of fanfare to mark the occasion, East End Lions overcame a nervous first 45 minutes in their new home to record their second consecutive League win of these as on and maintain their 100% run in the league.
Star Winger Prince Barrie will take his place in history as the first player to score a Premier League goal at the Trade Centre when he heads home the only goal of the match in the 53rd minutes.
He was later named as the man of the match. “This is really massive. The atmosphere throughout the match was electric. It’s a good feeling to have a permanent home. I look forwards to more brilliant performances to make the fans and management happy. Being the first player to score here is remarkable but I owe it to my teammates”. Prince Barrie stated.
The team will continue its flying starts to the season with a daunting trip to Kenema city to play Kamboi Eagles on Friday 23rd December, 2022 before hosting Diamond Stars of Kono five days later at Trade Centre.
