By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Thomas Daddy Brima says his administration has applied for two 36-seater coaster buses to support the league in the country.
He made this statement during the annual SLFA Ordinary Congress which commenced on the 4th and ended yesterday 6th June, 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
In his keynoted address, Brima noted that his administration has also applied for a 54-seater bus for the national team, One Toyota Hiace vehicle for youth and grassroots football promotion, a Toyota Hilux for the Technical Director, and 160 motorbikes for the 16 districts to support football in rural communities. He stated that his administration has completed the technical drawing for a Technical Centre that will be used for competitions and training purposes, that will house a medical centre, gym, an anti-doping centre, a store and three other rooms for referees, match commissioner, and match coordinator,” he said.
He added that his administration has also applied for 6 projects with regard to infrastructure, namely; Artificial Turf, floodlight, perimeter fence, Generator, 100-seater pavilion at SLFA Head Quarters, Approved School, Port Loko, and Bo Coronation Field.
He also said that the aforementioned projects will cater for the repair of the Turf in Kono and construction of Perimeter fence and the Installation of floodlight in Kenema.
“We are entitled to 3 million dollars from FIFA for infrastructural development and we would use this money for league development and construction of a standard technical centre as agreed with FIFA under the Contract of Agreed Objectives,” said Brima.
He admonished delegates to support his administration to chart the way forward for a new era in Sierra Leone Football.
President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Prince Suallay urged everyone to exemplify good sportsmanship not just in the field of play, but also during dispensation of the various sporting disciplines. He said it is important now that the football family is transiting as united family which will in turn reflect on the players.
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Kenneth Brima in his statement observed that the holding of the congress was long overdue, quoting the SLFA statutes which established that the ordinary congress to be held at the second quarter of every year. He added that since the current SLFA executive is now beyond the second year, a clear violation of the statute and they should know the actions of violating the statutes so that it won’t repeat itself in the future.
Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh started his address commended everyone for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in maintaining peace and promoting the sport that unites millions of Sierra Leonean citizens. He said Football holds a special place in the hearts of many by transcending boundaries and bringing people together not just a game but as catalyst for social cohesion.
He stated that from 2018 when President Julius Maada Bio assumed office to his recent re-election, there has been significant peace in the football landscape. He added that Government has invested billions of Leones to the national teams, and the male and female domestic leagues.
The Sports Minister pointed out that Government has partnered with China to fully rehabilitate the National Stadium since it was constructed in 1979. He said the growth and success of football in the country are pivotal to the overall sports development agenda.
He urged SLFA and government to continue to invest in grassroots football as he said the young talents are the future of football. He also called for the prioritization of football infrastructural development in the country.
This is the first Ordinary Congress held by the Thomas Daddy Brima-led Executive since elected President of SLFA two years ago.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (07/07/23)
