Concord Times (Freetown)
Sahr Morris Jnr.
21 August 2008
Freetown — National U-17 team, the Sierra Stars may not honour their first leg encounter with Baby Scorpions of The Gambia slated for month end in Banjul due to lack of funds.
According to reports reaching this desk, the Stars' hopes of facing Baby Scorpions on either the 30th or 31st of August for the 8th edition of the African U-17 championship qualifiers may be dashed if their financial needs are not met on time.
Speaking to Concord Sports yesterday, the team's assistant coordinator, Victor Lewis said their only hope of participating in the said match is for corporate bodies to come to their rescue.
"Our hope now lies on commercial houses. If they fail, our other hope is the SLFA president, Nahim Khadi who is expected back in the country from England this weekend," he said.
Lewis stated that the government has failed to finance the team until the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) produce a proper account of previous money spent on the senior national team, Leone Stars, for their matches against Nigeria and South Africa.
"The current stance of the government is affecting the team's preparation. The players are suffering innocently," he said and appealed to the government to provide the needed money now and -----continue with its investigations later.Several miles away, Baby Scorpions coach, Tarik Siagy told journalists in The Gambia that he is confident his team can book their qualification for the continental championship a second time."If they maintain a consistent performance, they can qualify for the continental championship. I am very happy with the team's performance and I believe they are on the right track," he said. The Egyptian coach called on Gambians to rally around the team, support them financially and pray for their success.
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