Augusta James Teima, Sierra Leone’s first female Minister of Sports, accompanied by her Deputy Minister Kai Lawrence Mbayo, made an unannounced visit to the Leone Stars’ training camp at Wusum Field on Saturday, September 2, 2023. 

The Leone Stars are presently preparing for their final Group A match in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau.

Minister Teima, who assumed office just fifty-one days ago following President Bio’s victory in the June 24th, 2023 elections, stressed the importance of securing a win in the upcoming match. Although Sierra Leone won’t be able to participate in the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, a victory against Guinea-Bissau would not only elevate the country’s FIFA/CAF Ranking but also boost the team’s morale for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in November, where they will face Ethiopia and Egypt.

“Sports remains a top priority in President Bio’s administration,” Minister Teima asserted during her address to the Leone Stars. “I want you to continue to work hard and give the nation a victory against Guinea-Bissau.”

The Minister and her delegation also had the opportunity to witness the first-half action of a friendly match in which Leone Stars emerged victorious with a score of 4-1 against Western Area All-Stars.

Sierra Leone currently holds the 3rd position in Group A of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, having accumulated 5 points from five matches played.

Leone Stars are set to face Guinea-Bissau on September 11, 2023, in a pivotal match following a 2-2 draw in their first-leg meeting last year. This visit by the Minister of Sports highlights the government’s commitment to supporting various sporting disciplines and aims to motivate the national team to achieve success on the international stage.