By Bockarie Allieu
FREETOWN, Feb. 24 (232news.com) – Few days ago, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) released a press release asking the Leone Stars players to return the suitcase where their kits were back to the FA.
The press release followed with a stern warning that if they failed to return the suitcases they will not get the $1000 gift which a private company awarded to them.
The press release brought mixed feelings among the players, Football authorities and fans. Most of the players thought it was an embarrassment to them as they never communicated such information to them before giving them the suitcase. According to Steven Caulker, they the players were shocked to see such press release especially when it goes viral in the social media.
According to him, such issue will kill down the spirit that they have built up to qualify for the next AFCON Competition in Ivory Coast next year.
Caulker and several other players have drawn the attention of the FA and Sports Ministry to start planning for friendly matches and not petty things like the suitcase.
Majority of the players, want to keep their own suitcase as a monument to show their children’s yet unborn. But after long deliberations on the above issue, sources said the FA has dropped the matter and are ready to give all the players the full amount.
Fortunately for Leone Stars, they will not be playing in preliminary stage next month but will take part in the group stage just after the preliminary stage.
Besides, the only standard stadium in Sierra Leone is presently under ban and because of this, Leone Stars will play both home and away qualifying matches away.
The fans said this is what the FA and the Sports Ministry should be thinking about now and not to wait until the time is closing by.