In a dramatic turn of events in the Sierra Leone Premier League 2022/23 season, Yellow “Submarines” East End Tigers FC has become the first team to be relegated to the division one level.

The team’s relegation was confirmed after Wilberforce Strikers FC secured two crucial victories, earning six points and scoring six goals against Freetonian SLIFA and FC Kallon.

These wins propelled Wilberforce Strikers FC out of the relegation zone, securing their place in the top-tier for the 2023/24 league season.

East End Tigers FC, previously known as Yellow “Submarines,” has been competing in the male top-tier league for four consecutive seasons. Unfortunately, their 2022/23 campaign has been marred by a poor performance, as they currently sit at the bottom of the league table among 18 teams, having accumulated only 33 points in 33 matches.

Their final game of the season will be against newcomers Lamboi Football Club on Saturday, July 22nd, in Lungi. Both teams face a must-win situation, with Lamboi FC also needing a victory to secure their spot in the league.

The club, which is owned by the esteemed and long-serving football administrator Victor Lewis, formerly the Premier League Board (PLB) Chairman during the 2011/12 season, had a memorable moment in its maiden appearance in the league back in 2014.

They finished in a commendable 2nd position, with East End Lions FC claiming the top spot. However, that season was later disrupted and abandoned due to the devastating Ebola epidemic.

In 2019, the club underwent a renaming, becoming East End Tigers FC, and made history by appointing Victoria Conteh as their Head Coach.

This landmark decision marked the first time a female coach had been appointed in the country’s male top-flight league. Additionally, the club has distinguished itself by generating revenue through player transfers.

Notable players such as winger Abdul Dul Bangura, who was signed by East End Lions FC and played a crucial role in their title-winning 2018/19 season, along with Saidu Bah Kamara, Joseph Kamara (now with Mighty Blackpool), and goalkeeper Ibrahim Sesay, were all sold to Bo Rangers FC for substantial sums.

Moreover, forward Baimba Sesay, the second top scorer of the 2018/19 season, engaged in a fierce battle before signing with FC Kallon