Lamin Bangura, a former Sierra Leone international, has passed away at the age of 59 following a road accident in the West African nation on Tuesday night. The incident occurred in the village of Konta Line when a bus transporting Ports Authority FC, the team Bangura coached, collided with a stationary truck. The team was en route from the capital city, Freetown, to Kenema for a fixture in the Sierra Leone Premier League.
Idrissa Tarawally, the secretary general of Ports Authority, reported that Bangura was transported to a hospital in Freetown but succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Wednesday. Tarawally expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It’s a sad day for Sierra Leone football. This is shocking and I’m devastated. I’m speechless. A legend and good coach has gone so soon.”
In addition to Bangura’s tragic passing, six players sustained injuries in the accident in Tonkolili district, some of whom are in critical condition and are currently receiving medical treatment in Freetown. Consequently, the Premier League match scheduled for Wednesday against Kahunla Rangers was postponed.
Bangura, renowned as a centre-back, played a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1994 and 1996, where he represented his country. He also served as a member of the technical staff for the Leone Stars during the 2021 Nations Cup in Cameroon.
Amidu Karim, the coach of Sierra Leone and a former teammate of Bangura, mourned the loss, describing him as “a friend, brother, and mentor.” Karim reminisced about Bangura’s influence on the national team during their time together, stating, “He was my senior in the national team and he motivated us, the younger ones, at the time to do well. A true legend is no more. I’m very sad.”
Thomas Daddy Brima, the president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), joined others in paying tribute to Bangura’s legacy, acknowledging his contributions as both a player and coach. Brima also advocated for a pause in the Sierra Leone Premier League fixtures until thorough discussions concerning transportation safety for teams are undertaken. He highlighted the concerning trend of accidents involving football teams in the country, particularly those occurring at night.
Bangura, whose playing career spanned clubs in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia, transitioned to coaching, achieving notable successes with various teams. He led AS Kaloum to the league title in Guinea and guided Diamond Stars to consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League championships in 2012 and 2013. His coaching career also included stints with Central Parade (now Wilberforce Strikers) and Santoba in Guinea before his appointment as Ports Authority boss in August 2021. Under his leadership, the Freetown club reached the semi-finals of the Sierra Leone FA Cup this season.
Bangura, who also served as head coach of Sierra Leone’s Under-17, U20, and U23 teams, will be laid to rest on Friday. His passing marks a significant loss to the football community in Sierra Leone and beyond.