News is making rounds that Sierra Leone’s nationwide soccer staff, the Leone Stars, might not be capable of honour their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures in opposition to Chad and Zambia on account of ongoing monetary constraints.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) of Sierra Leone, which manages the funding for the staff, is reportedly but to obtain the mandatory funds for the essential matches.
As the Leone Stars put together for a pivotal conflict in opposition to Chad on November 13, sources point out that the staff has but to be allotted the funding wanted for journey, lodging, and different logistical help. This state of affairs follows the same sample, with the staff going through related monetary difficulties earlier than their earlier two qualifying matches.
The upcoming match in opposition to Chad is significant for Sierra Leone’s probabilities of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON, and the dearth of funds might undermine the staff’s preparation and efficiency. Despite the federal government’s typical help for the staff, evidently monetary mismanagement or delays in disbursements might have left the NSA struggling to make sure the staff’s readiness for the fixture.
Should the state of affairs not be addressed promptly, there are rising issues that the Leone Stars could also be pressured to forfeit the match, a call that may severely influence the staff’s qualification marketing campaign and nationwide satisfaction.
The NSA is beneath growing strain to safe the mandatory funding, because the November 13 conflict quick approaches. Fans and soccer stakeholders are anxiously awaiting updates, hoping that the staff’s monetary difficulties might be resolved in time to make sure the continuation of their AFCON journey.