During the recent  budget hearing at the Ministry of Finance, the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Immanuel Saffa Abdulai, informed finance officials that Leone Stars will need $3 million to cover expenses for their six Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matches over the next three months.

Dr. Abdulai highlighted the critical role sports play in transforming lives in Sierra Leone, particularly for the country’s youth, who make up 62 percent of the population.

He emphasized that sports have become the largest employer, offering opportunities for boys and girls from marginalized communities and helping to reduce crime while providing jobs. “We go into ghettos and shanty communities, taking young people to international platforms where they can grow and thrive,” he said.

Leone Stars’ upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign kicks off on September 6, 2024, with a match against Chad in Monrovia, Liberia.

The team will then travel to Zambia for a game on September 10 before facing Ivory Coast on October 7. They will play Ivory Coast again on October 15 in Monrovia, followed by a match against Chad on November 11, and concluding the group stage against Zambia on November 19 in Monrovia.