The 17th edition of the Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK) Trophy is set to kick off in Magburaka, Tonkolili District, on Saturday, October 31. The opening ceremony will take place at Magburaka Town Field, with the first match featuring Kholifa Stars against Bombali Sebora at 4 p.m. This annual football competition was established in 2010 to promote football and develop local talent, particularly among clubs in Sierra Leone's northern region.
The EBK Trophy has grown into a regional football event, bringing together teams from different districts and providing opportunities for emerging players. Clubs that have featured in the competition include Wusum Stars, Kholifa Stars, Marampa Stars, Golden Dragons, and Bombali Sebora. The tournament is named after former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who is credited with promoting football development in the country.
Kholifa Stars, based in Magburaka, are the defending champions, having won the trophy on December 25, 2022, after defeating Bullom Stars in the final. The winning team received a cash prize of NLe 30,000, while runners-up Bullom Stars were awarded NLe 15,000. The competition has become a significant platform for local teams to showcase their skills and compete for top honors.
The EBK Trophy has contributed to the growth of football in Sierra Leone's northern region, providing a competitive outlet for local teams and players. The tournament has also helped to promote unity and sportsmanship among participating teams and their supporters. This year's edition is expected to attract a large following, with fans eager to see which team will emerge victorious.
The event announcement confirmed that the opening ceremony and first match will take place on October 31 at Magburaka Town Field. The competition is expected to feature several matches, with teams competing in a knockout format. The tournament's schedule and match fixtures are yet to be released, but fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the competition.
The EBK Trophy has become an essential part of Sierra Leone's football calendar, with many teams and players looking forward to participating in the tournament. The competition's impact extends beyond the football pitch, promoting community engagement, social interaction, and economic activity in the host region. As the 17th edition approaches, excitement is building among football fans and stakeholders.
The 17th EBK Trophy is expected to be a thrilling competition, with several teams vying for top honors. The tournament's legacy continues to inspire and nurture local talent, providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills. As the competition gets underway, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see which team will lift the trophy this year.
Key points
- The 17th EBK Trophy will take place in Magburaka, Tonkolili District, on October 31.
- Kholifa Stars, based in Magburaka, are the defending champions, having won the trophy in 2022.
- The EBK Trophy promotes football development and provides opportunities for emerging players in Sierra Leone's northern region.
