Samuel Barlay declares Leone Stars time has come – but warns about smugness
Samuel Barlay, nicknamed ‘Big Sammy,’ former East End Lions and IFK Mariehamn central midfielder now playing his trade with Syrianka IF in the Swedish superettan league in an exclusive interview with Sierra Express Media has declared this is Leone Stars time to compete in the big stage if he and his teammates get the groundswell support from the Government of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Football Association. (Photo: Samuel Barlay, aka Big Sammy)
The 24-year old revealed Leone Stars impressive performance in Cairo against the African champion Egypt in the 2012 AFCON qualifying game was just what they needed to maintain the top but cautioned his teammates they must avoid complacency against 2010 World Cup host, Bafana Bafana when both sides meet next month.
The former U-17 captain in Finland who has presented his country on so many big occasions against top African football giants like Nigeria, Mali, Togo, Congo Brazzaville, Benin to name a few, for his national team openly emphasized the South Africa clash is the most important if they should have any chance to qualify for 2012 AFCON.
His open declaration of interest on SEM is bound to crank up the pressure on the football association and soccer fans.
“Things have obviously changed in the past few years. We can beat any team in our continent both home and away but it is dependant on our focus, determination, and resilience, and the way we approach our opponent,” he added.
Big Sammy, who was part of the team that defeated South Africa at home in their last meeting 2008 maintains that this is a completely different encounter.
“We are playing at home, with a lot of confidence, our fans will be behind us all the way, but we need to be at our best to grab all three points”, he noted.
Salone Borbor
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2010, https:. All rights reserved.
