East End Lions Football Club, one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated and historic teams, were officially crowned champions of the 2024/25 Leone Rock Premier League in a vibrant ceremony on Monday, 18 August, at the Approved School Field in Freetown’s east end.
The event drew thousands of jubilant supporters and a host of football dignitaries, including Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara, SLFA Vice President and Port Loko Mayor Alie Badara Tarawalie, Leone Stars Team Manager Abdul Karim Bangura (AKB), and Western Area Football Association Chairman Pastor Philip Buck.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, waving banners and chanting the team’s nickname, “The Killers.” Traditional drummers, bubu dancers, and local cultural icons such as Nafalay and the famous Mammie Gbarh added a distinctly Sierra Leonean flavor to the celebration, blending football triumph with cultural pride.
For the East End Lions family, the title represented far more than a football victory. It was the culmination of months of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, reinforcing their legacy as one of the country’s most successful clubs. Founded in 1928, the Lions boast a record number of league titles in Sierra Leone and remain one of the fiercest rivals to Mighty Blackpool, another powerhouse in the country’s football history.
Supporters described the moment as historic, reflecting not just sporting excellence but also a renewed sense of pride in Sierra Leone’s domestic game.
The crowning comes at a time of growing optimism in Sierra Leone’s football landscape. Since taking office, SLFA President Babadi Kamara has pledged to restore the credibility of the national game, strengthen grassroots football, and enhance support for clubs competing in regional and continental tournaments.
Stakeholders at the event hailed the ceremony as a unifying moment, underscoring football’s enduring power to bring Sierra Leoneans together across political, ethnic, and social divides.
As dusk settled over the Approved School field, the chants of “Killers! Killers! Champions!” echoed across the capital—a reminder that East End Lions’ triumph is not just about football, but about resilience, identity, and hope in a nation where the sport continues to inspire unity and joy.
By Ibrahim Kamara
