By: David Gerald Turner aka Pa Turner Ihn Pikin
Club Bhantal, a premier league team in Sierra Leone has a connection with the Fula Clan. Built on a fabric of diversity and rich culture, the Fulas are seen in every strata of life in the Sierra Leone Community which the football administration is among.
Bhantal FC is one of the country’s most loved clubs that has gained widespread recognition in the footballing landscape for their exceptional performance and agility in the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League. Bhantal FC is proudly owned by a businessman and seasoned young football administrator named Abdul Aziz Jalloh.
To the football family, the name Abdul Aziz Jalloh is not novel but a man’s name that has echoed along the lines of studiousness, decency, sportsmanship, and uprightness.
Before owning Bhantal FC, the elegant CEO dedicated his entire footballing service to the Old Edwardians Football Club, he was a strong pillar in the establishment of the OE Fan Club and he later rose to the ladder of Team Manager and Vice Chairman of the May Park Boys team.
During his time at the club, Abdul Aziz brought financial stability and organizational structure to Old Edwardians FC. It was during his time as team manager and vice chairman that more quality players and coaches were solicited to play and manage the team. Before his resignation as Vice Chairman of OEFC, A.A.J created an indelible bond as a true Edwardian asset.
Abdul Aziz’s love for football did not stop at Old Edwardians only but fired up to the creation of Bhantal FC in 2019 as a second division club at WAFA and later gained space in 2022 WAFA Division One which enabled them to the 2023 national playoff competition that promoted the club to the SL premier league.
Since their promotion to the country’s elite league, under the stewardship of the CEO, Bhantal FC has recorded only one defeat to Ports Authority in the ongoing LRPL; sitting in 2nd position at the league’s table after playing 14 matches with a record of 12 man of the match awards and 11 clean sheets. They are the only club to have made such impressive performances. Many football enthusiasts have tipped Bhantal FC to either win the ongoing Leone Rock Premier League or give the defending Champions Bo Rangers a run for their money.
Bhantal CEO doubles as Executive member of the Western Area Football Association, a position held since 2023. Abdul Aziz is loved and respected among the old and young football stakeholders.
