By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

As things fall apart in the national men’s team camp in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025, some shocking revelations have transpired pointing fingers at the players that they were forced to play without a pre-match meal against Chad due to financial constraints. These have raised serious questions about the management of the team and the use of the taxpayers’ money.

Team Manager, Umaru Bah confirmed that the hotel refused to serve the players their scheduled pre-match meal due to late payment.

“The pre-match meal was scheduled for 3 pm on matchday, and the team was scheduled to depart the hotel 4 pm,” Bah clarified.

“All this was communicated to the National Sports Authority (NSA) the previous day.cNSA is in charge of finances.”

This lack of team’s proper management comes amid criticisms from Leone Stars’ captain Steven Caulker, who expressed concerns about the team’s overall management following their defeat to Zambia. Caulker, who reportedly left the camp, during a pending game against Chad due to a family emergency, highlighted a lack of organization within the team and  officials.

Adding to the team’s miseries, star striker Kei Kamara, who returned to support the Leone Stars, had to depart shortly due to a call from his Major League Soccer (MLS) team ahead of their playoffs season tours.

These events, coupled with the team’s unsatisfactory 1-1 draw against Chad and Zambia’s victory over Ivory Coast, effectively have teared Sierra Leone’s hopes of reaching the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The sad revelations have sparked outrage and displeasure among fans and observers, who are questioning the management of the national team and the use of citizens’ funds allocated for Leone Stars, while other sporting disciplines are suffering badly in terms of having financial support.