By Nenneh Fofanah
Freetown, 1st December 2025 – The death of former Mighty Blackpool midfielder Bureh Ganso Koroma has reignited debate about the welfare of footballers in Sierra Leone, with fans and stakeholders questioning whether clubs and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) are doing enough to protect players.
Koroma sustained a serious head injury during a friendly match between the national team, Leone Stars, and his then club Mighty Blackpool, at the SLFA Secretariat. Representing Leone Stars, he clashed with a Blackpool teammate, resulting in a severe head injury that ultimately led to his death.
Across the football community, questions are being raised: Do clubs prioritize player health, or are they more concerned with weekly performances? How well are injured players cared for? And what provisions does the SLFA have in place for player welfare?
Childhood friend Alie Fornah recalled the severity of Koroma’s injury in May.
“The injury was so severe that we thought he would not survive. He was rushed to Police Hospital, and we cried thinking he might not make it, but the doctors revived him,” Fornah said.
He added that Koroma later discharged himself, claiming he was not receiving proper treatment. After returning home, he received no support from the FA, except from fellow footballer James Fofanah (Jay Jay).
Fornah revealed that Koroma continued to bleed intermittently, yet some teammates assumed he was fine and focused only on his return to the pitch. “Bureh told me that Mighty Blackpool even registered him for this season,” he said.
Fofanah recounted the incident, explaining that Koroma was injured about 25 minutes into the match.
“Bureh went for a header while the captain of Blackpool went with his feet, which landed on Bureh’s face. He fell unconscious, bleeding from his mouth and ears. We rushed him to Police Hospital where seven doctors attended to him,” Fofanah said.
He noted that scans showed no brain damage, but Koroma continued to complain of head pain months later. Fofanah said he spent his own money on treatment without support from the FA, and even called for further assistance when Koroma’s condition worsened.
On 27 November, three days after Koroma’s funeral, the SLFA announced the formation of an Adhoc Investigative Committee under Article 55 of its statute. The five-member committee, led by Victor Idrissa Lansana, is tasked with investigating allegations of neglect by SLFA officials and the national team, ensuring accountability, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents.
The announcement followed protests by fans, friends, and family at the SLFA Secretariat demanding answers. The committee is expected to submit its findings within a stipulated timeframe.
Ibrahim Sahid Sankoh, Public Relations Officer for Mighty Blackpool FC, said the club’s executive has decided not to issue a statement until the SLFA investigation concludes.
“Immediately after the investigation, we will give our own side of the story,” Sankoh assured.
Koroma’s death has exposed deep concerns about player welfare in Sierra Leone’s football system. As the SLFA begins its inquiry, fans and stakeholders await answers on whether the structures in place truly safeguard the lives and health of those who give their all on the pitch.
