East End Lions F.C.

East End Lions
Full nameEast End Lions
Nickname(s)Red Roaring Lions, The Killers
Founded1928; 96 years ago (1928)
GroundNational Stadium
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Capacity60,000
ManagerChristian Cole
LeagueSierra Leone National Premier League
2022–20233rd

East End Lions is a Sierra Leonean professional football club based in the capital Freetown. They play in the Sierra Leone National Premier League, the top football league in Sierra Leone. East End Lions represents the East End of Freetown, and play their home games at the National Stadium. [1] The head coach, appointed in 2018 is John Keister.[2]

East End Lions are one of the two biggest and most successful football clubs in Sierra Leonean football history (along with their main rivalry Mighty Blackpool). The club was founded in 1928 and is one of the oldest football clubs in Sierra Leone.

Rivalry

East End Lions have an intense rivalry with fellow powerhouse Mighty Blackpool who have won the National League 10 times. When these two clubs play each other at the national stadium in Freetown, tickets are often sold out; there is usually a heavy police presence to prevent clashes between their supporters,[3]

Achievements

1977, 1980, 1985, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2019[4]
1973, 1980, 1989.[5]

Performance in CAF competitions

1998 – Preliminary round
2006 – Preliminary round
2010 – Preliminary round
2011 – Preliminary round
1981: First Round
1986: withdrew in preliminary round
1994: First Round
1992 – First Round
1990 – Second Round

Squad (2011–12)

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Former managers

References

  1. ^ "Sierra Leone Sports: East End Lions appoints 10-man executive". Awoko Newspaper. 2018-10-29. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  2. ^ "Sierra Leone Sports: Keister becomes East End Lions coach". Awoko Newspaper. 2018-10-29. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  3. ^ "SOCCER INFERNO IN FREETOWN TODAY, as Arch -rivals Mighty Blackpool and East End Lions clash to open Sierra Leone Premier League – Cocorioko". Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  4. ^ "Sierra Leone - List of Champions". RSSSF. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  5. ^ "Sierra Leone - List of Cup Winners". RSSSF. Retrieved 2019-03-09.