By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Africa Youth Cup Tournament championed by the Ministry of Sports, on Friday 22nd August, 2025, held its second meeting at the Ministry’s conference room, Bishop House in Freetown, to finalize Sierra Leone’s acceptance of the hosting rights.
Following deliberations, authorities present gave their unanimous approval for Sierra Leone to host the prestigious continental tournament. The meeting was chaired by the Director of Sports, Haroun Mustapha Korgi, and attended by senior government representatives, including the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Khadijatu Grace Ahenie Kamara; Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick N. Gibrilla; President of the National Olympic Committee Sierra Leone (NOC-SL), Prince Vandy Sualley; Deputy Director at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Sahid Conteh; and Head of Competition at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Sorie Ibrahim Sesay.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 24th April to 4th May 2026, featuring U-17 girls and U-18 boys teams from across Africa. Hosting the competition is expected to provide multiple benefits for Sierra Leone, particularly in line with the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda, with emphasis on youth empowerment and job creation.
Due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the National Stadium in Freetown, authorities proposed Bo City as the host venue, with matches to be played at the Southern Arena and the Bo Mini Stadium.
The meeting also resolved that a task force will be established, comprising officials from the ministries of Sports, Tourism, Youth, Education, Health, Transport, and National Sports Authority (NSA), among others, to drive preparations forward. A WhatsApp group will also be created to enhance coordination and communication among stakeholders.
The next LOC meeting will focus on the terms, conditions, regulations, and the specific roles of members in ensuring a smooth and successful tournament.
In her closing remarks, Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged continued collaboration.
“Football is loved by our President, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, and by the youth of Sierra Leone. Let us all give our best to make this tournament a success,” she said.
The LOC will now formally communicate the outcome of the meeting to the International Organizing Committee of the Africa Youth Cup.