By Mahamood Fofana
Bo Rangers have been crowned champions of the 2025–26 Leone Rock Premier League, securing their fourth league title in five years and further cementing their status as one of the dominant forces in Sierra Leonean football.
The Southern Arena-based side, popularly known as the Elephants, sealed the championship with two matches remaining in the campaign after producing another consistent season across 34 league fixtures.
Bo Rangers finished the season at the top of the table with 64 points, recording 17 wins, 13 draws and four defeats. They scored 39 goals and conceded 20, ending the campaign with one of the strongest defensive records in the league.
The champions ended their campaign with a 1–0 defeat to Mighty Blackpool at the Southern Arena. However, the result had no impact on the title race, as Bo Rangers had already built an unassailable lead over their closest challengers.
The latest triumph further extends the club’s remarkable dominance of domestic football. All four of Bo Rangers’ league titles have come within the last five seasons, making them the only provincial club to achieve such a record in Sierra Leone’s top-flight football.
The club described the achievement as a remarkable milestone and praised its players, technical team and management for their discipline, commitment and hard work throughout the campaign.
Bo Rangers also dedicated the title to their supporters, acknowledging their continued loyalty and encouragement during what was another demanding league season.
Four Clubs Relegated
While Bo Rangers celebrated at the top of the table, the conclusion of the season brought disappointment for four clubs that will be relegated to Division One for the 2026–27 campaign.
Abacha City finished 15th with 39 points from 34 matches after recording nine wins, 12 draws and 13 defeats.
SLIFA ended the campaign in 16th place with 38 points, following a season in which they registered nine victories, 11 draws and 14 defeats.
Luawa FC, whose relegation had already been confirmed before the final round of fixtures, finished 17th with 33 points. The Kailahun-based club recorded eight wins, nine draws and 17 defeats despite the recent installation of an artificial turf at its home ground.
Freetown City FC finished at the bottom of the standings in 18th place with 29 points. The capital-based side recorded five wins, 11 draws and 17 defeats during a difficult campaign.
Western United and Waterloo FC Promoted
The 2026–27 Leone Rock Premier League will feature two new teams after Western United and Waterloo FC secured promotion from the Sierra Leone Football Association’s National Division One Playoffs held in Port Loko.
The two clubs emerged from a 10-team national playoff competition to earn places in the country’s top flight.
Western United completed their promotion campaign by defeating Waterloo FC 2–0 in the final to win the Division One playoff title.
Waterloo FC, however, reached the final after their semi-final against Marampa Stars was abandoned following crowd violence.
The matter was subsequently referred to the SLFA Emergency Disciplinary Committee, which ruled that Marampa Stars had violated the Laws of the Game and forfeited the fixture, allowing Waterloo FC to advance to the final.
Despite losing the final, Waterloo FC’s progress through the competition was enough to secure promotion alongside Western United.
The arrival of the two promoted clubs is expected to bring fresh competition to the 2026–27 Premier League, as they prepare to face the country’s established top-flight teams.
With the 2025–26 season now concluded, Bo Rangers will begin the next campaign as defending champions, while the relegated clubs—Abacha City, SLIFA, Luawa FC and Freetown City FC—will start their campaign to regain top-flight status.
The new season promises another competitive battle for the league title, continental qualification and survival as Sierra Leonean football enters its next chapter.
