By: Mohamed Sahr
In account of his sporting prowess and multi-dimensional tasks, one of the members within the ranks and files of the Sierra Leone Police has awarded with Federation International Football Association (FIFA) Grade ‘A’ Referee Bag on Tuesday 7th February 2023 during a press conference held at the Police Headquarters.
When making his remarks in an exclusive interview with this medium, Swahib Bangura, who doubles as a Constable in the Sierra Leone Police and a recognized FIFA Referee, said he happened to be the first Police officer in the country to be recommended by FIFA. He said the award served as a license to officiating both national and international tournaments; adding that he was fortunate to be amongst the nine recipients of the Federation International Football Association Grade ‘A’ Referee Bage across Africa. He stated that with the preview to his outstanding performance he made at the early stage of this course, he had the privilege to officiate, otherwise to serving as a referee in countless football matches within Africa.
Swahid mentioned that he was initially recruited as an athlete under the sporting sector in the Sierra Leone Police and later had the opportunity to apply for FIFA Referee course which took him months in the dugout. He said he passed all of the tests, and performed extremely well in the end of the semester.
Bangura revealed that in 2021 he became one of the referees to officiate the Under 17 Tournament in Senegal and Guinea respectively. “I have officiated three Confederation Cups, two in Mauritania and one in Liberia,’’ Swahid said.
He furthered that the FIFA Grade ‘A’ Referee Bag had brought tremendous feather on his cap particularly to his profession and Sierra Leone by extension. Mr. Bangura noted that his aim is to be part of the team that would be taking part in the Nations Cup and the World Cup in the future.
He said in order to carry out an official duty in the Nations Cup and the World Cup, it would take lot of time and effort to match up with the standard set by the governing body; noting that sometimes they had to be thoroughly scrutinized and examined when dealing with the selection process.
Bangura affirmed that for an individual to be the duty-bearer especially in bigger tournaments, that person has to perform in a compelling fashion.
He disclosed that this achievement would bring a compounding pride to the Sierra Leone Police and the country in general.
Bangura thanked the Inspector General of Police Williams Fayia Sellu for according him such platform to exhibit his skills and pursuing his profession as a registered Grade ‘A’ Federation International Football Association Referee across the country. He hoped to keep his career under the wraps and remained transparent and credible in the discharge of his duty. Referee Swahid assured of bagging more laurels on behalf of Sierra Leone.