By Bockarie Allieu
Sierra Leone’s football representatives in the CAF Club Competitions, East End Lions and Bo Rangers, faced early exits, sparking widespread concerns among fans and analysts. Bo Rangers, competing in the CAF Champions League, were eliminated by San Pedro FC of Ivory Coast with a 2-1 aggregate score in the preliminary rounds. Similarly, East End Lions were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 4-0 on aggregate to Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf.
The early exits continue a disappointing trend for Sierra Leonean clubs in continental competitions, as none have reached the group stages since their return to CAF tournaments. This year’s defeats were particularly disheartening for fans who had high expectations for both clubs. Bo Rangers, in particular, seemed poised to advance, having the advantage of playing their home match at the Bo Stadium. Despite that, they were held to a 1-1 draw at home and then lost 1-0 in Ivory Coast. East End Lions, after a 1-0 home defeat, were soundly beaten 3-0 in Senegal.
In the aftermath, football analysts and technical officials have called for significant changes, emphasizing the need for improved player performance. Bo Rangers’ head coach, John Keister, voiced his frustration, calling for an overhaul of Sierra Leone’s football structure. He noted that the players failed to meet expectations, and many experts agree that the focus should now shift to player mindset and professionalism.
For years, poor playing pitches were blamed for subpar performances. However, with most matches now played on artificial turf, the conversation has turned to the players’ commitment to the game. Analysts argue that players need to take their profession more seriously, with proper rest and recovery becoming essential to their performance. There’s also a growing consensus that the country should invest in football academies, starting from the grassroots, to groom young talent for the senior teams.
