East End Lions v Freetown City FC
East End Lions have won their last two games. They won against Old Edwardians and Central Parade. For a team like Lions’ caliber you will feel that they are now picking up momentum to launch their title run.
On paper this game should be an easy one for them, but FCFC will have a lot to say about that. They themselves secured their first win of the season against FC Johansen last week.
That win might just be what FCFC need to start their campaign proper. They will go into this game with the mindset of probably getting a draw. Ironically, no team drew more games than Lions last season; they drew 11 whiles FCFC drew 9.
A draw on the cards?
Date: Saturday, 11th January
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Siaka Steven Stadium
Diamond Stars v Old Edwardians
Now Edwards are going to Kono. Two wins in a row means this Edwards team is brewing with confidence. If they win in Kono then there is a feeling that they might perhaps challenge for the title. But Patrick Bangura has downplayed that possibility for now, saying they just want to take it one game at a time.
Edwards have 7 points; a win could give them 10.
This Edwards team look balanced, united and hungry. But they are going to a place where few have succeeded - Kono.
Diamond Stars know they cannot falter anymore. Their loss against RSLAF in their last game showed how much improvement they need in terms of mental discipline.
Diamond Stars have only won one game. This is a game they must win. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Coach Zappa Koroma’s future might even be up in the air.
Date: Saturday, 11th January 2019
Time: 4:30pm
Place: Koidu Playing Field
Kamboi Eagles v Mighty Blackpool
And this is the game of the weekend. Eagles go into this match knowing that they must win to get the top spot in the league. They have started brightly, and they know this is a game that has come just when they have rested enough.
The Eagles have had 12 days to rest since their last fixture. The feeling around this club these days is all about winning. They want nothing less than the title. They haven’t been shy about that since the start of the season.
Blackpool will give them a stern test. This Blackpool team has a brewing crisis of its own. They have gone four games into the new season without winning.
They have played some brilliant football, but they have been wasteful and sometimes playful when it really mattered. Last week their coach, Chernor Mansaray had a drab look on his face as his team succumbed to another loss against FC Kallon.
Mansaray knows his team is a work in progress, so perhaps he won’t go into this game with too much expectation. But this Blackpool team has also showed some glimpse of hunger; if they win in Kenema then that might just be the turn-around they need.
But it’s a long road away from home and Kenema is one of the most difficult places to go and get something.
The Eagles have already defeated a top six opposition in Kenema this season. They know if they want to win this league, they must beat big teams like Blackpool.
Date: Sunday, 12th January
Time: 4:30pm
Place: Kenema playing field
RSLAF v Ports Authority
Tito Cole and the Army boys must bring their “A” game to this fixture, or they will be on course to relegate. Last weekend Cole said his team would fight to avoid relegation.
Whiles his comment is inspiring, they must show it.
Against Old Edwardians they were poor and this was a game they played on the back of their shocking win against Diamond Stars over a week ago.
A draw and a strong performance from the team will be good to instill confidence in the players and their fans.
Ports Authority have a similar story. They won against Anti-Drugs on Wednesday night, but this is not enough. This is a team that should be competing for the title.
No one will excuse them if they can’t beat a struggling team like RSLAF.
These two clubs are under similar pressure, which is to improve their performance.
Date: Sunday, 12th January
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Siaka Steven Stadium
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
