By: Abu H. Kargbo
The Acting Chairman of the North-East Region Football Association (NERFA), Abdul Pascal Gbla, has pledged to deliver transformational leadership aimed at strengthening football administration in the region.
Gbla made this commitment during a recent familiarisation meeting with sports journalists held at the regional football secretariat on Azzolini Highway in Makeni.
Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary-General of NERFA, Sheku Bilo Conteh, disclosed that the substantive Chairman, Brima Jalloh, has been temporarily set aside by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Investigation Committee following complaints lodged by members of his executive committee.
Conteh explained that the association’s constitution provides for such a transition, allowing the Vice Chairman to assume leadership in an acting capacity during the investigation.
“Gbla is now acting in Chairman Jalloh’s capacity as the substantive Vice Chairman,” he said.
Acting Chairman Abdul Pascal Gbla confirmed that he was among the executive members who called on the national football governing body to investigate the matter. However, he declined to disclose the specific issues that led to the investigation.
“When the time is right, we will inform the public,” he stated.
Gbla emphasized that his current role is temporary and aimed at preventing a leadership vacuum within the regional football body.
“The outcome of the investigation will determine whether our Chairman will resume his duties or whether I will continue in the position,” he added.
He further revealed that the investigation committee has already conducted preliminary inquiries, including interviews with several staff members at the regional secretariat.
According to him, the committee includes Prince Saquee, Second Vice President of the SLFA, alongside other executive members.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Gbla assured stakeholders that his administration would usher in a new chapter for football governance in the North-East Region.
He disclosed that referees’ match allowances for all ninety matches of the ongoing Division One League have already been paid in advance.
“This is the first time this has happened. We want to ensure an effective and efficient Division One competition,” he explained.
Gbla also highlighted recent financial support provided by the regional body to district football associations, revealing that ten thousand new leones (NLe 10,000) has been allocated to each district to assist with administrative costs for their respective competitions.
He assured football enthusiasts in the region of a productive and progressive period during his tenure, noting that he intends to utilise his administrative experience to improve the management of football in the region.
Gbla holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration and Management from the University of Makeni, a qualification he believes will help him contribute effectively to the development of football administration in the North-East Region.