Post a comment 
Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has visited the national U-17 team camp to motivate the Shooting Stars ahead of their participation in the WAFU-A U-17 Championship qualifiers in Senegal.
The visit comes as the young side completes its preparations for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from September 7 to 20, 2026.
Kamara used the opportunity to encourage the players to remain focused and confident as they prepare to represent Sierra Leone on the regional stage.
The Shooting Stars have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia.
Sierra Leone will begin their campaign against The Gambia on September 7, before facing host nation Senegal on September 10.
They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Mauritania on September 13.
The team will be aiming to progress from the group and secure one of the available qualification places for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Addressing the young players during his visit, SLFA President Babadi Kamara urged them to represent the country with pride, discipline and determination.
“As Shooting Stars, you are fit to play among the best in the tournament. Be motivated, believe in yourselves, and go out there to bring the trophy home,” Kamara told the team.
His message was aimed at boosting the players’ confidence as they prepare to face some of the strongest youth teams in the WAFU-A zone.
SLFA Executive Committee Member Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, who is leading the Sierra Leone delegation to Senegal, assured the nation that the team would represent the country with commitment and professionalism.
Head Coach Patrick Bangura also welcomed the SLFA President’s engagement, describing the visit and message as an important source of motivation for the players ahead of the competition.
The technical team is expected to use the remaining preparation period to finalise its squad and tactical plans before the team’s departure.
The Shooting Stars are expected to depart for Dakar on Wednesday, September 2, ahead of their opening fixture against The Gambia on September 7.
With qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations at stake, Sierra Leone will be hoping for a strong start to the tournament and a successful campaign in Senegal.
The young players will now look to turn their preparations into results as they begin their quest to secure continental qualification and make Sierra Leone proud.
