By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) on Tuesday presented its National Senior Women’s Team and a host of trophies and medals to the Executive Director of the National Sport Authority (NSA) Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai following their spectacular feat in the just concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier in Gaborone Botswana.
The team was accompanied by a number of top officials from CSL and media persons.
Speaking, CSL’s Vice Chairman Kobi Walker started off by presenting the runner-up trophy to NSA Boss, stating that they were exceedingly motivated as their ladies displayed passion and pride in Gaborone.
He told the NSA leadership that cricket has been starved from government funding. “Our players went to Botswana without a penny.
“Also key to note is that some of our players are getting close to retirement and require a legacy from the government, like donating pieces of land to them.This will inspire others to enter the game,” he said.
On what is next, he informed Dr. Abdulai that the Ladies will be heading for the World Cup in August, pleading with government to assist in this regard.
“By supporting our ladies, you help discourage them from taking to drugs and prostitution,” he surmised.
Receiving the guests, Dr. Saffa Abdulai congratulated the team, re-echoing his apology on behalf of government for funding blackout.
He clarified that getting money from government does not require a month’s notice but that the NSA is poised to supporting cricket. “We are going to change this trajectory. We will start by supporting your local leagues this year. I will locate resources for you. I am pushing for your appointment with the President so that you will be able to present your trophies and channel your complaints.
“I understand the impact sports create in the lives of young people. It solves problems,” he told the team.
For unity, he admonished CSL’s Board Chairman Francis Trevor Samura to extend the olive branch to those feeling aggrieved.
Captain Aminata Kamara climaxed the presentation by thanking CSL for giving them the opportunity to explore their talents, looking forward to meeting with President Bio.
