By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
At the Government’s weekly press briefing held on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) building, the Minister of Sports, Augusta James Teima, provided updates on the ongoing development of the National Stadium. Minister Teima assured citizens that the stadium would be ready for use by the end of the year, highlighting its unique features and commitment to safety and security.
Speaking passionately about the significance of having a national stadium, Minister Teima emphasized the importance of bringing home matches back to Sierra Leone, expressing regret over past matches played outside the country. She assured that the Leone Stars national team would soon resume playing home matches at the National Stadium.
Furthermore, Minister Teima outlined plans for the development of mini-stadia across the country to provide accessible and decent pitches for football enthusiasts. She stressed the importance of human capital development in improving the skills of players and referees, aiming to enhance decision-making and reduce incidents of violence within the sport.
In response to funding challenges, Minister Teima announced the establishment of the Sports Development Fund, aimed at raising financial support to bolster sporting activities in the country. The fund seeks to provide timely interventions to meet the financial needs of various sports disciplines.
During the briefing, Victor Lewis, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Premier League Board, commended the government’s support in revitalizing the country’s elite football league since President Julius Maada Bio took office. Lewis highlighted recent achievements, including Sierra Leone’s qualification for the 2022 Nations Cup, while urging consistent support to ensure further success in international competitions.
Lewis also lauded infrastructural developments underway in various parts of the country, including the rehabilitation and construction of several fields for artificial turf, such as the National Stadium, Kingtom Academy Field, Approved School Field, Port Loko Town Field, and Bo Coronation Field.
Additionally, Port Executive and Activist, Asma James, expressed gratitude to Her Excellency the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, for her significant financial support towards organizing the first female elite football league in Sierra Leone. James anticipated a promising future for women’s football in the country, pledging efforts to create an enabling environment for its growth.
In response to recent incidents of violence against female referees, Activist Asma James vehemently condemned such acts and affirmed her commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to address the issue effectively.
The announcements made during the press briefing reflect the government’s dedication to advancing sports development in Sierra Leone and fostering unity and inclusivity within the sporting community.
