Fatoma Turay has been appointed as head coach for Junior Lone Star FC First-Team with immediate effect.
Born in Koidu, Sierra Leone, Turay is one of Junior Lone Star FC’s most decorated players after making over 200 appearances for the Stars. The 32-year old legend has a career with the club spanning 16 years which included stints with the Academy, the Under-23s, and finally the First Team.
Turay also attended Wilmington University where he played for the Wildcats from 2006-09. During that period, he won several awards including being named on the 1st Team Daktronics All-Region, the 2nd Team NSCAA All-Region, All-American Honorable Mention, and All-CACC 1st Team. He finished his college career with with 77 appearances, 20 assists, and a CACC title.
Announcing his appointment, Junior Lone Star FC President and Executive Director Paul Konneh said:
“I’m very much delighted that Fatoma Turay has accepted the head coach position of the first-team. His success and commitment to this club over the years is commendable. As a player and captain of Junior Lone Star FC, he has gone through the playing ranks of this club and I’m certain he will bring an unparalleled perspective as a coach to the first-team. His career is an example to the academy players we have and I’m positive that we all will benefit from having him on as the first-team head coach.”
Fatoma Turay said:
“First and foremost, thanks to the Almighty for allowing me to serve this great club as a player all these years. Also, I would like to thank all my former coaches, teammates, and all the great minds that helped shaped me into the person I am today. As I close one chapter in my soccer career, another one opens. Today, I accept the role as head coach of Junior Lone Star FC with great pride and honor. Thanks to the club President and the Board for giving me the opportunity to represent a club like Junior Lone Star FC. I’m looking forward to continuing our great winning tradition from a different seat.”
Turay has been taking his coaching licenses and is due to earn the USSF D License this summer. He will name other members of his coaching staff in due course. He takes over from Neewilli Saie who took a coaching sabbatical at the end of the 2017 NPSL season.
Meanwhile, first-team players are expected to arrive for pre-season training in Philadelphia on Monday, March 12th as the team gears up for the 2018 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season which starts in May.