By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The streets of Makeni came alive with jubilation as hundreds of football fans, family members, and supporters gathered to welcome home five heroes and heroines from Sierra Leone’s first-ever WAFU A Women’s Championship victory in Mauritania. Organized by the North-East Region Football Association (NERFA), the grand homecoming honored players Cecilia Bangura, Fatmata F. Kanu, Marie B. Conteh, Marian Jumu, and their head coach, Hassan Malik Mansaray, who have brought pride to both the nation and the region.
At the center of the festivities was Chairman Brimah Jalloh (Chairman BJ), a passionate leader dedicated to advancing football in the Northeast. “This victory is not just a trophy; it’s a statement,” he proclaimed. “It demonstrates that with dedication and belief, our players can conquer the international stage. Hassan Malik has silenced the doubters, and I urge him to remain focused as the journey is far from over.”
Chairman BJ also expressed gratitude towards the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for its commitment to women’s football, highlighting the significant progress made since the introduction of the Women’s Premier League. “Gone are the days when people dismissed girls playing football. The SLFA is investing, and the results speak for themselves. More opportunities are on the horizon, and this is just the beginning.”
Echoing these sentiments, Bombali District Football Association Chairman Sulaiman Sillah Sesay encouraged the players to continue striving for excellence. Emilia Kamara Jengo, a CAF/FIFA match commissioner, praised Chairman BJ’s leadership, crediting him for empowering women in football within the region.
As Makeni celebrated, one message resonated: this victory marks a turning point for female football in Sierra Leone. The Northeast region stands proud and ready to embrace a bright future.