On November 18, 2024, Cricket Sierra Leone launched the Inter-Junior Secondary School Championship at the Kingtom Oval, marking the return of this event after five years.
Francis Trevor Samura, Chairman of Cricket Sierra Leone, emphasized that the School Cricket Championship serves as a vital source for the National Teams across the country. He noted that players for all National Teams have traditionally emerged from the School League, highlighting its importance in the development of cricket in Sierra Leone.
Samura stated, “Development cannot go from top to bottom but from the bottom to the top. As a Federation, we take the Cricket Schools Championship seriously; it is a crucial part of our strategic plans for cricket development in Sierra Leone.”
He added that the School Cricket Championship is integral to their domestic competition, particularly for junior players in the country.
The Western Area Boys Junior Secondary School League will feature eight Western Area Urban District schools. The opening ceremony will showcase a match between Old Edwardians Junior Secondary School and Government Secondary School at the Kingtom Oval.
Edward Marrah, Development Manager of Cricket Sierra Leone, highlighted that the National Teams are developed through the School League Championship, which consistently uncovers significant talent yearly.
Abass Gbla, League Coordinator of Cricket Sierra Leone, described the School Cricket Championship as a roadmap for the Association, serving as a breeding ground for raw talent for national representation and forming the backbone of the Association over the years.
The two-week School Cricket Championship will culminate in one month, and additional leagues are also scheduled to kick off across the country.