Sierra Leone is a football crazy nation, with the beautiful game offering a much needed diversion from the disasters that have befallen the nation over many years. Sierra Leone has enjoyed some successes over the years, by beating some of their more illustrious neighbours. However, these minor successes have never had the chance to lead to anything more, as war has ended up getting in the way.

War has seen then not able to enter the African Cup of Nations twice in recent history, in 1992, and the year 2000. However, in between the war years, they enjoyed a high degree of success. In 94, they went out in the first round, In 96, they made it through to the final round ,and in 1998, they finally won.

Since they where not allowed to participate due to war in 2000, the team has been unable to get back into the African Cup of Nations.

However, they are in the process of rebuilding the national team, and can call on a very international list of players, spread around Europe. Mostly playing in lower level leagues, such as Alhassan Banghura plying his trade with Blackpool, and Kei Kamara currently in the MLS with the Kansas City Wizards.

The team plays in green and blue in a kit from the Danish manufacturer, Hummel. The kit itself is divided top and bottom, with the top in green and having almost a mountainous shadow design printed into it. The bottom half of the shirt is blue, and incorporates the image of a mountain lion printed in black.

The country’s national crest is stitched onto the shirt on the left side of the chest, and on the back just under the collar is the national flag of Sierra Leone. Hummels distinctive chevron pattern runs down the sleeves, and printed on the back of the shirt, on the bottom, is the nickname of the national team, the “Leone Stars.”

It is worth noting that Hummel decided to shift manufacture of this kit to Africa. A move that many manufacturers are loathe to do. Hummel announced the move as a way of helping Sierra Leone to recover from years of conflict by bringing jobs to the battered nation.