Premier League Midweek Preview: Kallon wrestle Johansen; Killers battle Anti Drugs as Sojas go Water Front
Despite commencing late due to reasons beyond the control of the Premier League Board (PLB) and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Wednesday and Thursday opening matches of the Sierra Leone Premier League is set to be a cracker with huge surprises waiting. (Photo: RSLAF FC)
The PLB was slated for commencement last Saturday but due to the burial arrangement of former president, Alhaji Dr Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, it was shifted to Wednesday. The change of date did not thwart the appetite of football loving fans that will be trooping to the various venues to watch their respective teams thrive on purpose.
However, all eyes will be focused on three very big fixtures, though the ‘Match of Death’ for MATCH DAY 1 is the derby between FC Kallon and FC Johansen; both teams have been fierce rivals and both can boast of having the best youngsters in the premiership coupled with better game plan.
Abubakarr Kamara looks at the first fixtures of the Premier League and gave a thorough match by match analysis including prediction.
FC Kallon vs FC Johansen (National Stadium 27/03/2014)
This is the biggest fixture of the week and probably a crowd puller as both teams match each other technically and physically. Spectators are expected to be given a run for their money with an entertaining and skills exhibition expected to be the order of the day as both sides battle each other to show supremacy over the opponent.
While FC Kallon will be bracing up to open the league with flair and stay on course for a repeat of their 2006/07 season triumph, FC Johansen will be targeting a first time win of the championship trophy by getting all three points in the backyard of their arch rivals and championship contender.
PREDICTION: FC Kallon 0 FC Johansen 0
East End Lions vs Anti Drugs FC (National Stadium 26/03/2014)
For both East End Lions – The Killers and Anti Drugs FC, which have their roots in the east end of the capital city, Freetown, the name “Awoko” is synonymous as he is an elder of the former and CEO to the latter. Therefore, it would be very difficult to describe both teams as arch rivals or the match as a derby.
However, a very entertaining match is expected as this is the beginning of a very long journey for both clubs, who will meet again over the weekend in the FA Cup round of 32.
Anti Drugs will have to prove that they are a force to reckon with in this year’s premier league race while The Killers; who have sharpen their claws with new inclusions will be sending a clear message to the nation as to whether they are serious about this year’s championship or not. Above all, The Killers will also be proving their critics right or wrong with regards to spending big on new players.
However, no matter what, this match is expected to be a cracker and the result an exciting one too.
PREDICTION: East End Lions 1 Anti Drugs 1
Ports Authority vs RSLAF (Attouga Mini Stadium 26/03/2014)
After being eliminated from the first preliminaries in the Confederation Cup, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) FC will be looking for a repeat of their superb performance last season while their host, the Water Front Boys will have a very difficult task preventing the hungry ‘Sojas’ from drinking in their pool.
However, Ports Authority might create problems for the visitors who are yet to strengthen their defense and this fixture will be repeated over the weekend in the FA Cup round of 32.
Ports Authority have lost the flair it once possessed and it is very likely that they would be struggling again this season. Finance is another problem for the Ports management team, whose popularity has dwindled over the years while their opponent has been awakened by the realities of a continental competition and the upgrading of their players’ salary. A very interesting and entertaining encounter awaits us at the Attouga Mini stadium.
PREDICTION: Ports Authority 1 RSLAF FC 3
Central Parade vs Old Edwardians (Football Academy 26/03/2014)
This could be described as a battle of equals in mid table as both could not match their counterparts when it comes to title contending.
However, taking into consideration the youthful talents, Old Edwardians have assembled coupled with three or four new signings; one would be tempted to give the May Park Boys a cutting edge. The administrative changes of Central Parade coupled with their lack of adequate finances to keep the boys on their toes and be competitive will be an added advantage to the visitors.
PREDICTION: Central Parade 0 Old Edwardians 2
Mighty Black Pool vs Freetown City FC (Football Academy 27/03/2014)
While other clubs were busy preparing for the commencement of the Premier League, Freetown City was quiet either because they are convenient with their current squad or have little to offer to attract new players. However, their host too seems to be suffering a similar fate but as the saying goes ‘Old Soja never die’, the Tiss-Tass boys will be looking for all three points to come back from their slumber in recet times.
PREDICTION: Mighty Black Pool 1 Freetown City 0
The other two fixtures; Kambui Eagles vs Bo Rangers in Kenema on 26/03/2014 and Gem Stars vs Diamond Stars in Tongo on 26/03/2014 cannot be said much about. Kambui Eagles have the better advantage at home while Diamond Stars will have all three points in Tongo as Gem Stars seemed unprepared for this year’s Premier League.
PREDICTION: Kambui Eagles 1 Bo Rangers 0; Diamond Stars 3 Gem Stars 0
Abubakarr Kamara
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