Sierra Leone’s undying love for football: A sport that unites the nation
By Lansana Koroma
Football is more than just a game in Sierra Leone; it is a way of life, a unifying force, and a deep-seated passion that resonates in every corner of the country. Governed by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), football has remained the most popular sport since the SLFA’s establishment in 1960 and its affiliation with FIFA the same year. Despite facing numerous challenges, the game continues to thrive, inspiring national pride and camaraderie.
The Rise of the Leone Stars
The Sierra Leone national football team, popularly known as the Leone Stars, represents the country in international competitions. Over the years, the team has offered moments of pride, joy and despair to the nation. One of its significant milestones came in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), when the Leone Stars returned to the continental stage after a long interval. This achievement united the country, temporarily silencing tribal and sectional divides. The AFCON tournament transformed ordinary match days into holidays, as businesses closed early, and citizens across the nation came together to celebrate their team’s success.
The Sierra Leone National Premier League
The Sierra Leone National Premier League, sponsored by Leone Rock Mining Group, is the pinnacle of domestic football. Featuring 18 teams, the league is fiercely competitive, with four teams relegated to the second tier each season and replaced by promoted teams.
East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool FC are historically the most dominant clubs, with 12 and 11 league titles respectively. However, other teams like FC Kallon and Diamond Stars FC are emerging as formidable contenders, making the league even more exciting. The league’s popularity is a testament to the Sierra Leoneans’ deep love for football, as stadiums are packed with supporters passionately cheering for their teams.
A Cultural celebration on match days
Match days in Sierra Leone are not merely about football – they are a celebration of culture and community. In the capital, Freetown, the streets thrill with anticipation as businesses close, civil servants leave work early, and public transport halts. The excitement builds as fans head to stadiums or gather in their neighborhoods to watch the games, turning these days into unofficial holidays.
East vs. West: The footballs divide in Freetown
The passion for football is most evident in Freetown, where the rivalry between the eastern and western parts of the city adds a unique flavor to the sport. A recent survey suggests that the eastern part of Freetown is more enthusiastic about football than the west. Eastern clubs, particularly East End Lions, boast a more vibrant fan base. Their matches at Approved School—a prominent football ground—is always a spectacle, with fans filling the stands and spilling over into the streets.
The cinema culture, which once thrived in both areas, is now predominantly found in the east, where fans gather in large numbers to watch games on big screens. This contrasts with the west, where such traditions are fading.
Voices of the Fans
The loyalty and passion of Sierra Leonean football fans are unmatched. Take Mr. James Kargbo, a 50-year-old East End Lions supporter from the eastern part of Freetown. For him, football is more than just a pastime—it’s a way of life. He never misses a game at Approved School and is fiercely loyal to his team, refusing to watch matches in the west.
On the other hand, Mr. Peter Smith, a western Freetown resident, also supports East End Lions, albeit he is a bit docile in attending matches. Despite his location, he often travels to the SLFA Football Academy to support his team. This rivalry between east and west fuels debates among fans and keeps the spirit of football alive.
A Game that unites a nation
Football in Sierra Leone transcends tribalism, sectionalism, and other divides. It injects a special spirit into the nation, serving as a unifying force. The game brings people together, whether they are cheering for the Leone Stars in international competitions or passionately supporting their local clubs.
The love for football is deeply ingrained in Sierra Leonean culture, making it the country’s heartbeat. Whether in the busy streets of Freetown or the serene districts, the spirit of the game is tangible. For Sierra Leoneans, football is more than just a sport, it is a symbol of hope, unity, and pride.
