I am usually keen to be at home during major tournaments, for fear of being out the country that one time England lift the trophy. But this year, I am more than happy to watch the games in football crazy Sierra Leone.
In my nine months here, I have never watched so much of the 'beautiful game'. Where ever you travel, you are never far from local cinemas (small shacks) televising games from around the world. Back in January, while watching the FA Cup, a large shouting match erupted between two men at a bar. I was convinced that there had been an act of ultimate betrayal or something had been stolen, but kept hearing the words 'Ronaldo' and 'Messi'. When I inquired further, I was told they were simply discussing which superstar had a better record for their country. The two men finally shook hands, agreeing to disagree.
As a Portsmouth fan, my declaration of support is often met with a quizzical look. I have to this day spotted four shirts. Each owner recalled the glory days of Kanu, Muntari and Benjani. Our local councillor is an avid Liverpool fan. Each week he stops me for a discussion about the club. Throughout March he was convinced that Benitez should be brought back, Reina sacked for being too old and Downing placed in goal. A solution that in no way reflects the amazing knowledge most Sierra Leoneans have of the Premier League.
Euro fever was quick to take hold in Sierra Leone. Many teams were being supported, with the majority backing England and Spain. For the opening game against France, we crammed into a small cinema in Makeni. I quickly regretted wearing my England shirt. Not because of the thralls of French (although there were a number of fans from Guinea), but because last season's kit had clearly been designed for an English winter not a humid mid-afternoon in West-Africa. I left the game 2 stone lighter, but happy with the result.
The next two games, I took in with the ex-pat community of Freetown in the country's only Irish bar. The sea breeze and large fans made the thick shirt slightly more bearable, but the flickering satellite coverage left us in suspense on a number of occasions.
While the football world's attention is currently on Europe, it should also be pointed out that Sierra Leone are in the midst of African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. Three weeks ago Sierra Leone enjoyed a 2-1 victory of Cape Verde with a goal direct from a corner and a stunning bicycle kick. After securing a 2-2 draw with Equatorial Guinea a week later (both World Cup Qualifiers), the team then returned to the National Stadium for the second leg of their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome, a country with a population of just 56,000. The minnows took a surprising second minute lead, silencing the packed stadium. Just twenty minutes later and Sierra Leone were 4-1 up after a flurry of bizarre mix-ups and unusual bounces. The game eventually finished 4-2 with Sierra Leone going through 5-4 on aggregate. Despite the police's best efforts, the crowd ran on to the pitch in jubilation. My lasting image is that of Mohammed Kalon, once of Inter Milan and Monaco, being stripped to his underwear by adoring fans and then continuing to applaud the crowd on a lap of honour.
One of our partners, The Craig Bellamy Foundation, recognises this passion (for football not Kalon's underwear) and uses football as a tool for development. Our volunteers support the development and capacity building of the league, which operates in four regions. The teams are not just ranked on results but also fair play, participation in community projects and school attendance. The rules are simple, if you don't go to school you don't play. Still only in its third season, the league has seen outstanding results and successfully utilises a passion for football for positive change.
Football is played everywhere and can provide a much needed respite from the day to day struggle of life here. On Sunday, many Freetowners, after an afternoon playing on their beach will turn their attention to England's quarter-final against Italy. Let's just hope Roy doesn't put Downing in goal...
Interested in experiencing 'football crazy' Sierra Leone? Visit www.thecollectivesl.co.uk