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![Coach McKinstry with CBF Academy players Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura who were selected for Sierra Leone U-20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]](/images/jmck_images/1400max/_4084065.JPG "Coach McKinstry with CBF Academy players Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura who were selected for Sierra Leone U-20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]")
5 April 2014 saw first generation CBF players Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura selected as part of the Sierra Leone U20 squad (the 'shooting stars') to face Guinea in the 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifier.
![Santigie Koroma on his debut for Sierra Leone U20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]](/images/jmck_images/400max/_4053995.JPG "Santigie Koroma on his debut for Sierra Leone U20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]")
Santigie Koroma made his international debut, coming on in the 76th minute, with CBF team mate, Sulaiman Samura, on the bench. ![Coach McKinstry provides half time advice to Santigie Koroma (CBF) before his debut for Sierra Leone U20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]](/images/jmck_images/400max/_4053901.JPG "Coach McKinstry provides half time advice to Santigie Koroma (CBF) before his debut for Sierra Leone U20 [versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]")
The boys were selected by U-20 national coach Charlie Wright to be part of the 18 man squad after impressive performances on the training ground in the week preceeding the game.
Coach Mckinstry was on hand to watch the game in both his role as National Team Coach and Academy Manager of the Craig Bellamy Foundation.
![Sulaiman Samura (CBF) warming up [before the Sierra Leone U20 versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]](/images/jmck_images/400max/_4053741.JPG "Sulaiman Samura (CBF) warming up [before the Sierra Leone U20 versus Guinea in 2015 CAF U-20 first round qualifying (Picture: Myrthe van Vliet)]")
Coach McKinstry commented "It is a very proud moment for me and all at the CBF academy. Having scouted these boys only 4 years ago, and worked with them every day since they were 13, it is thrilling to see them make their international debuts."
"It is a huge achievement for Santigie (17 years old) and Sulaiman (16 years) to be selected for the U-20 squad at such a young age. It is a testament to their determination, and to the work of the Craig Bellamy Foundation and their dedicated coaching and teaching staff."
The boys represent the first CBF players to be selected for the national team, only a few years after the Craig Bellamy Foundation Academy was established in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone recorded a 1-0 victory in the game.
Notes to Editors
- You can read more about the Craig Bellamy Foundation at www.craigbellamyfoundation.org
- You can also learn more about the personal background and development of Santigie Koroma and Sulaiman Samura.
- See www.johnnymckinstry.com for a range of information - biography, press releases and photographs for press use
- To arrange an email or telephone interview, please contact
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Any of the pictures in this article can be downloaded here from our elite player development photo section. Pictures are free for use in web/print news if accompanied by appropriate photo credit e.g. (photo: Darren McKinstry).
