A leading politician has called for urgent presidential action to address the poor performance of the national football team, Leone Stars, following their failure to secure qualification for major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in Freetown yesterday, the politician expressed disappointment over the billions of Leones spent by the government on the team, with little to show in terms of results. Despite the financial support, the national team has consistently fallen short in international competitions, raising concerns about the quality of training and management.

“It is disheartening to see nations like Comoros, Zambia, and South Africa excel while Leone Stars repeatedly fails to deliver,” the politician lamented. “Year after year, the hopes of Sierra Leoneans are crushed as the team underperforms and brings national embarrassment.”

The politician proposed the creation of a task force to investigate the root causes of the team’s persistent failures. The task force, they suggested, should examine factors such as player training, team management, and the effectiveness of government investments in football.

“I watch other nations celebrating their victories, while Leone Stars remains a shadow of its potential. This national disgrace must be addressed urgently,” the politician stated, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action.

The call for intervention highlights growing frustration among citizens and stakeholders about the state of Sierra Leone’s football, which continues to lag behind other African nations in the competitive arena.