By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Sierra Leone’s national football team, Leone Stars, commenced intensive training on 2 June 2026 at the SLFA Football Academy as preparations intensify for upcoming FIFA-sanctioned international friendlies against Liberia’s Lone Star.
The national team enters the two-match series under the guidance of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Technical Director, John Edward Keister, who is serving as caretaker coach while the association continues its recruitment process for a substantive head coach.
Team Manager Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB) was present at training and delivered motivational remarks, encouraging the players to remain focused and mentally prepared for the task ahead.
The first leg of the series is scheduled for Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the Southern Arena in Bo City, Sierra Leone, while the return fixture will take place on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.
Although classified as friendly matches, the encounters carry significant importance as FIFA-recognized fixtures that will impact the world rankings of both nations. They will also serve as key preparation matches ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.
Foreign-based players have begun arriving in camp, with more expected to join the squad ahead of full training sessions.
Sierra Leonean football fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Leone Stars to competitive action on home soil, with excitement building ahead of what promises to be an engaging international fixture series.