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Sierra Leone Football Association President Thomas Daddy Brima has praised National A team (Leone Stars) players for their incredible performance laced with a high level of commitment and comportment during their Mediterranean outing in Antalya, Turkey.
Sierra Leone set up a training camp during this month’s Fifa international window as part of preparations ahead of the 2023 Ivory coast African Cup of Nations Qualifiers which is set to commence in June.
After Leone Stars’ opening 3:0 defeat to Togo in their first of three friendlies at the Mardan Stadium on March 24th, they went on to win their remaining two matches against Liberia and Congo Brazzaville by 0:1 on March 27th and 1:2 on March 29th respectively.
Bolton Wanderers striker Amadou Bakayoko and Tottenham Hotspurs youngster Kallum Cesay were the scorers and the accounting for a brace against the Red Devils of Congo.
Speaking to the players at the team’s hotel a day before departure, Thomas Daddy Brima proudly noted, “the trip was a mission accomplished”.
“New team, new captain, gentleman I am delighted to say the trip was a mission accomplished. It’s was great to see how you guys recovered from the opening defeat to Togo”.
“Congratulations to the team, team captain Steven Caulker and everyone here in Turkey on behalf of Sierra Leone.”
“Gentlemen, Sierra Leoneans want you guys to qualify the team for Ivory Coast 2023. You have the government the FA’s backing as together we can achieve our objectives.”
Head coach John Keister hinted that more names will be added to his squad in the qualifying campaign.
“I am pleased, but we have a lot of work ahead of us guys. I was so eager to see everyone’s performances here in Turkey. Now we have to identify some key players while we continue to work. We are going to add a few more names in the process of developing a solid squad.”
Captain Steven Caulker vehemently stated that he is wishing everyone a safe trip to their various destination as he advised all players to stay fit.
“Wishing you all a safe journey. We have to stay fit and healthy. The team is going to need every single one of us here in the qualifiers.”
The Sierra Leone delegation is expected back in Freetown in the early hours of Thursday whilst foreign-based players head back to their various clubs.
