5 April 2014 saw first generation CBF players Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura selected as part of the Sierra Leone U20 squad (the 'shooting stars') to face Guinea in the 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifier.

Santigie Koroma made his international debut, coming on in the 76th minute, with CBF team mate, Sulaiman Samura, on the bench.

 

The boys were selected by U-20 national coach Charlie Wright to be part of the 18 man squad after impressive performances on the training ground in the week preceeding the game.

 

Coach Mckinstry was on hand to watch the game in both his role as National Team Coach and Academy Manager of the Craig Bellamy Foundation.

 

Coach McKinstry commented "It is a very proud moment for me and all at the CBF academy.  Having scouted these boys only 4 years ago, and worked with them every day since they were 13, it is thrilling to see them make their international debuts."

"It is a huge achievement for Santigie (17 years old) and Sulaiman (16 years) to be selected for the U-20 squad at such a young age.  It is a testament to their determination, and to the work of the Craig Bellamy Foundation and their dedicated coaching and teaching staff."

 

The boys represent the first CBF players to be selected for the national team, only a few years after the Craig Bellamy Foundation Academy was established in Sierra Leone. 

 

Sierra Leone recorded a 1-0 victory in the game.

 

Notes to Editors

1. You can read more about the Craig Bellamy Foundation at www.craigbellamyfoundation.org
2. You can also learn more about the personal background and development of Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura.  
3. See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use
4. To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact  

 

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