Sierra Leone Premier League champions, Diamond Stars, on Friday received the sum of US$50,000 from the country's leading sports betting company, Mercury International, ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.

Diamond Stars will face Raja Casablanca of Morocco in Casablanca for the first leg qualifier before hosting them in Freetown on a fortnight, and the money is meant to boost the team's preparations for the first leg.

Chairman of Mercury International Board, Samir Hassanyeh, said they are happy to announce such offer which he said is part of their corporate social responsibility and to show solidarity with the people of Kono.

He said: "This is also to show our appreciation for their support over the last three years to the company."

Meanwhile, the company will also be sponsoring live broadcast of the match via radio stations for the people of Kono.

Chairman of Diamond Stars FC, Chief Torto, said he is very much happy for such gesture, adding that they will surely make Mercury and the entire nation proud.

Concord Times