Mohammad Kallon..the first name that comes to the lips
of any footie follower when the country of Sierra Leone
is mentioned. Independent since 1961, Sierra Leone ranks
the lowest on the Human Development Index and just recently
ended a decade of civil war in 2000.
Sierra Leone has three provinces, 12 districts and
5 islands.Following are the islands:
Banana
Dublin
Ricketts
Mes-Meheux
Bunce
Bonthe/
Sherbro
Tiwai
Turtle
Banana
Islands which are located in the Atlantic Ocean off the
southwest coast of Freetown Peninsula, are composed of
three islands, Dublin, Ricketts and Mes-Meheux.
Dublin
Island is famous for its beaches. It is connected to Ricketts
Island by a spit of sand.
Ricketts
island is known for its forests. A stone bridge links
the main village of Ricketts with Dublin village. There
is tourist infrastructure in form of Daltons Banana Guest
House. These two islands have a combined population of
900. No football teams reported but certainly possibility
of football games being played informally.
Mes
Meheux is an uninhabited island and no soccer activity
possible here.
Bunce
Island lies in the Sierra Leone river, 20 miles north
of Freetown. Its area is 1650 feet long and 350 feet wide.
Unfortunately, it has historically been linked with the
notorious slave trade from shores of Africa.There is a
famous British slave castle located on this island. Today,
the island is under the protection of Sierra Leone's Monuments
and Relics Commission. No native population and no evidence
of football activity.
Sherbro
or Bonthe island is located in the Atlantic Ocean and
has an area of 230 square miles. It has two towns, Bonthe
and Cape Saint Ann.Population is around 18,991. Bonthe
has a District football association and has fielded teams
in district competitions.
Tiwai
Island is a wildlife sanctuary and has an area of 12 square
km. It is located in Moa River.It is governed by the Environmental
Foundation for Africa.No native human population, only
pygmy hippopotamus. No football on the island.
Turtle
islands lie off the southwest peninsula. It is composed
of various fishing communities. No mention of football
on the islands although the fishermen might fancy kicking
about rather than catching the fish...unlikely.
