BY RODNEY EDMOND MICHAEL.
In 1994 (Tunisia) and 1996 (South Africa), under the NPRC Government and the leadership of BRIGADIER Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone qualified for successive African Nations Cup, both times under foreign coaches.
It has taken another 25 years, 5 National Democratic Elections, 3 change of Governments, 3 National Presidents, 6 Sports Ministers, 5 SLFA Presidents, multiple National Leone Stars coaches, and a lot of near misses over the period for us as a Nation, a people that take their football as serious as a religion, so passionate and dedicated beyond anyone's imagination, to finally return to the Continent's Biggest football stage, the African Nations Cup.
There are many who have contributed to this success and to appreciate them is a must.
To start off with, one should recognise the support of President Bio and his Government having allocated over 30 billion leones (3 million dollars) to the campaign.
President Bio must be a lucky man considering our Nation's last two qualifications in the 90s were under his tenure, and he can once more boast that it is under his tenure we have qualified again.
The President, his Minister of Sport and the NSA must be appreciated for their role and support.
The SLFA too must be commended for their administrative and technical support at all times.
The supporters and fans have been so dedicated and supportive, one cannot over exaggerate such moral support and their role and faith in the National Team.
Let us not forget the media who have always identified foreign and locally based players, promoting their performances and drawing the attention of all to their qualifies.
However, this Nations Cup should be dubbed "THE JOHN KEISTER NATIONS CUP" easily justifiable if one carefully evaluates the challenges he has had to overcome over the last decade.
Ignored and disregarded so often in favour of the Swedish Coach Olof Mattson, the Irish Coach Johnny Mcinstry and Ghanaian Silas Tetteh, coach Keister has patiently waited for his time and finally, finally, finally, his time came at the insistence of Government against the wish of those at the helm of football, and John has conquered to become the first coach since 1996 to qualify Sierra Leone for the most important sporting event in Africa.
A disciplinarian and a dedicated Coach, this qualification should not be hijacked from Coach Keister, his technical team and the wonderful heroes who have fought the war and emerged victorious.
A special note should be made in honour of the veterans who have sacrificed their entire life fighting to qualify their home nation for the big stage.
Many tried and had to give way to age but a few have been giving it everything over the last 15 years. Special mention must be made of the ever reliable Captain Umaru Zengellay Kamara, the off field leader and players advocate Kei Kamara, the quiet Mohamed Medo Kamara and my name sake and the cool Rodney Strasser, not to forget the youngest of these veterans, SImbo.
These five veterans have finally achieved their life time dream and how great a their retirement would be after Cameroun, of course assuming they meet the Coach's Nations Cup squad. They will forever carve their names on the list of heroes this country has ever produced.
In my 35 years as football administrator, having followed our qualifications in the 90s, and observing and experiencing the challenges faced over these years, one can imagine how emotional this achievement is for everyone in Sierra Leone. It is a massive relief for all and restores our prestige as a football Nation.
Whilst we the people of Sierra Leone congratulate the Leone Stars for such a historic qualification, we salute Coach John Keister for restoring our pride, integrity and respect in the continents football family.
We will forever be grateful and on behalf of all Sierra Leoneans I hereby recommend John Keister to His Excellency, the President for consideration for the highest Natonal Honour our Nation awards!
NO ONE HAS DESERVED IT MORE IN THIS CENTURY!
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (16/06/21)
