East End Lions quest to compete in this year’s Champions League is in doubt as officials of the club are so far silent over the clubs preparation for the campaign.
The 2013 Sierra Leonean champions will open the campaign against Asante Kotoko of Ghana in the preliminary round but the club fondly called “the Killers” is yet to reveal their plans.
Secretary General Abdul Rahman Davies is the only club official to offer a hint on the club’s position
“I don’t think Lions will be competing in the clubs continental big stage,” Rahman told footballsierraleone.net.
The Sierra Leone Football Association head of competitions Sorie Ibrahim Sesay also stated Lions is unwilling to participate.
“They have been engaged to play Asante Kotoko of Ghana, but I don’t see their willingness to partake though not official yet,” Mr. Sesay said.
Asante Kotoko was eliminated by Liberian club Barrack Young Controllers in the previous competition. They are scheduled to play the first-leg against Lions in Freetown in February.
Footall Sierra Leone understands Lions head coach Christian Cole is disappointed with the latest development.
The 67-year-old veteran technician is former national player and played for several clubs in the country but made his name at Ports Authority.
He was the head coach for Port Authority when they were eliminated by Horoya AC of Guinea in this same stage of the preliminary in 2012.