(Local Sport)
By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Sierra Leone Scrabble Association has invited 17 players for intensive training ahead of the 14th edition of Pan-Africa Scrabble Championship scheduled to be hosted in Zambia from the 21st to the 24th of October 2022.
The association`s qualifiers will commence the first week of October to select the team that will represent Sierra Leone in the 14th edition of Pan- the African Championship.
Amongst the one hundred and fifty to two competitors expected from South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Botswana, Gambia, Tanzania and the host nation Zambia. Ten Scrabblers are expected from Sierra Leone including top foreign-based scrabbler Mohamed Alieu Kamara.
Secretary General of the association, Ibrahim `Monday` Conteh has confirmed to this medium that the qualifiers will allow players to grab tickets for the championship, adding that the qualifiers will be as transparent and no player or players will be favoured.
He said “Players will grab their tickets to Zambia on merit, he said. “We are not going to favour anyone. Your brain and skills on the board will be of favour to every player taking part in next month`s qualifiers,” he warned.
Monday said that even though the likes of the World Superpower, Nigeria will be fully represented, he expects Gambia, Kenya and Liberia to also spring surprises in this year`s Championship.
He said the association is looking forward to their key sponsors Mercury International and Rokel Commercial Bank supporting the association. Monday said: “They have both been supportive of us each time we knock on their doors, so we hope this good relationship continues”.
He however called on the government (NSA & MOS), Sierra Leone Ports Authority management, Africell and Orange to come on board to support the association.