By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Two young Sierra Leonean athletes, Paul Foday Marah and Augustine Moses Kpaka, recently returned from an impactful experience at the FIBA Africa Basketball Camp in Douala, Cameroon, which took place from October 14-17, 2024. Sponsored by scholarships through a growing relationship between the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF) and FIBA Africa, Paul Foday Marrah and Augustine Moses Kpaka, known as “Wakanda,” paid a courtesy call to Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF) President Ali Hijazi. During their visit, the two players shared their experiences from the camp, expressing their gratitude for the skills and knowledge they gained through the prestigious FIBA initiative.
The camp, organized annually by FIBA, provided Marrah and Kpaka with advanced training and exposure to a high level of basketball competition, helping them sharpen their abilities alongside other young players across Africa.
President Hijazi congratulated the duo on proudly representing Sierra Leone and encouraged them to apply what they had learned. He urged the players to “show the difference” on the court and reminded them to double up their training efforts to continue their growth. “You now have the tools and experience from the camp; use them to make a real impact in our upcoming games,” he told the players.
He further assured Marrah and Kpaka that the SLBF is in the final stages of preparation to launch the National Basketball League in December. This league will be a platform for them to showcase their newfound skills and inspire other young athletes across Sierra Leone.
With such promising talent and leadership, Sierra Leone basketball looks set for a transformative year ahead.
