In a groundbreaking move that marks a new era for Sierra Leonean footballers, Abdulai Juma Bah, the 18-year-old Leone Stars center-back currently on loan at RC Lens, has given his family a life-changing gift: a brand-new home in Freetownโs peaceful Femi-Turner neighborhood.
For years, Bahโs family lived in the cramped, challenging conditions of Syke Street in Kroo-town Road,an area marked by overcrowding and hardship. But thanks to Bahโs vision, determination, and the support of his agent Cherno Musa from AIK Freetown, his family has finally moved to a safer, more dignified environment.
The newly acquired home stands as a symbol of what hard work, talent, and thoughtful management can achieve. Unlike previous generations of footballers who often sent money home with no real long-term impact, Bahโs decision to invest in a permanent, comfortable residence for his family sets a new standard for what it means to uplift oneโs community.
Cherno Musa, known for his unwavering commitment to his players both on and off the field, played a pivotal role in this life-changing project. His leadership in helping secure the new house is a testament to his holistic approach to player representationโone that extends beyond contracts and transfer deals to meaningful improvements in a playerโs personal life.
For Bah, this house is more than bricks and mortar. Itโs a safe haven for his family, a place where his loved ones can finally live with dignity and security. Itโs also a powerful message to every young Sierra Leonean footballer: success on the pitch canโand shouldโtranslate into a better life for those who supported you from the start.
Raised in Freetown, Juma helped his parents in their local bakery while playing street football barefoot, where his passion for the game began . Spotted by agent Chernor MusaโฏJalloh, he joined Freetown Giant Academy before being signed by AIKโฏFreetong** in 2021. He later starred for Freetonians SLIFA, eventually captaining them during the 2023โ24 season.
In 2024, Bah was loaned to Spanish side, Real Valladolid (initially the B team), and he later made history as the first Sierra Leonean to appear in LaโฏLiga, debuting against Real Sociedad on September 21, 2024, in a clean sheet draw.
In January 2025, he was signed by Manchester City (amid controversy, with Valladolid alleging Bah invoked his release clause with agent and club support). The young defender was immediately loaned to RC Lens in French Ligueโฏ1.
After making his Ligueโฏ1 debut for Lens, Bah earned his first full start in a high-stakes away win over Marseille, drawing strong praise for his defensive maturity and physical presence. At just 18, he played a pivotal 90 minutes at the Vรฉlodrome, helping Lens keep a clean sheet against a tough Marseille side .
Bah was called into the Leone Stars squad in May 2024 for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He Made his senior international debut in March 2025 during a World Cup qualification match, a 3โ1 victory over GuineaโBissau.
