By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has announced the appointment of Mr. Abdul Karim Bangura, popularly known as AKB, as the new Team Manager of the national senior men’s football team, Leone Stars. His appointment takes immediate effect, ahead of the September World Cup qualifiers.
The decision to appoint Bangura comes as recognition of his remarkable track record with Bo Rangers Football Club and his proven ability to manage teams at the highest level of Sierra Leonean football. The SLFA noted that his commitment to excellence, leadership qualities, and administrative expertise makes him the ideal choice to take charge of the Leone Stars at a crucial time in the nation’s football journey.
Prior to this appointment, AKB served as Team Manager of Bo Rangers, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s rise to dominance in domestic football. Under his management, Bo Rangers secured three consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League titles, establishing themselves as the most successful side in recent years. His leadership helped instil professionalism and structure into the club, from daily operations to long-term planning.
AKB’s contribution extended beyond the technical area, as he was widely credited for fostering discipline, unity, and strong organizational practices within Bo Rangers. These qualities, the SLFA believes, will be vital as Leone Stars prepare for the demanding World Cup qualifying campaign.
In a statement, the SLFA Executive praised Bangura’s achievements and expressed confidence in his ability to translate his club-level success to the national team. “Abdul Karim Bangura has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to football in Sierra Leone. His appointment as Team Manager of Leone Stars is a step towards strengthening the team’s structure and preparations for international competitions,” the statement read.
The appointment comes at a decisive moment for Sierra Leone’s football ambitions. With the September World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the Leone Stars require strong management to coordinate logistics, player welfare, and team administration. The Team Manager plays a central role in ensuring that the players and technical staff remain focused and adequately supported, both on and off the pitch.
Football analysts have welcomed the appointment, noting that AKB’s experience with Bo Rangers makes him well-prepared for the challenges ahead. His success in guiding the club to historic achievements is expected to serve as a blueprint for creating a more disciplined and competitive Leone Stars squad.
For Bangura, this appointment marks both a personal milestone and a new chapter in his football career. Having already established himself as a household name in Sierra Leonean football, he now takes on the responsibility of managing the country’s flagship team on the international stage. His role will be crucial in ensuring that Leone Stars are fully prepared for the qualifiers and beyond.
The SLFA reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangura in his new role and called on Sierra Leoneans to rally behind the Leone Stars as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.
With Abdul Karim Bangura at the helm of team management, the nation’s football governing body believes that Leone Stars will benefit from his experience, discipline, and organizational acumen as they pursue success on the continental and global stage.
