As the 2024-2025 Sierra Leone Premier League approaches, Bai Burreh Warriors and Bullom Stars, the two representatives from Port Loko District and the northern region, engaged in a series of competitive friendly matches in preparation for the upcoming season.

Both teams faced off in back-to-back encounters, testing their strength before the league begins.

In their final pre-season match on October 23, 2024, held at the Port Loko Mini Stadium, Bai Burreh Warriors delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Bullom Stars, formerly known as Lamboi FC.

This followed another defeat for Bullom Stars, who lost 1-0 in their home match last week, marking a double loss for the “pilot boys” from Lungi.

The first half of the match saw Bai Burreh Warriors, dressed in their traditional red and white stripes, asserting slight dominance in possession.

The deadlock was broken in the 29th minute when Ishmail Munu netted the opening goal.

The second half proved even more challenging for Bullom Stars, in their blue and yellow kits, as Sampha M. Koroma, also known as “Teach Man,” doubled the lead for the Warriors. Munu later secured his brace, sealing the 3-0 victory.

Abubakarr Kamara, a long-time supporter of Bullom Stars, expressed disappointment with his team’s performance. “We really need to go back and put our house in order,” Kamara remarked. “This performance will not take us anywhere in the Premier League battle.”

In contrast, fans of Bai Burreh Warriors celebrated their team’s dominant display. Yayah Bashiru, popularly known as “Prezo Bash” and the club’s Head of Media and Marketing, shared his excitement in an interview following the match.

“A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes by the executive to keep the boys fit for the coming season,” Bashiru said.

He noted that one of the main issues the club had faced in the past—player ownership—had largely been resolved. “98 percent of the players that participated here are now official players of the club with varied lengths of contracts.”

With these wins, Bai Burreh Warriors appear to be well-prepared for the upcoming Premier League season, while Bullom Stars will need to regroup and strategize to avoid further setbacks.