By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The much- anticipated first ever national female football league kicked off on Saturday at the Wusum field in Makeni, an event that was witnessed by President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio and other dignitaries. Mena Queens from Makeni engaged their counterparts Kahunla Queens from Kenema in league opener.
The first half was an entertaining encounter between Mena Queens of Makeni and Kahunla Queens of Kenema that however ended nil- nil.
Mena’s goalie Cecilia who has been playing football for over a decade now, proved quite impressive in stopping the Kahunla forwards.
The second half of the game started slowly but gathered pace as it progressed. Mena dominated the game throughout the period but lost to Kahunla Queens by one goal to nil scored by Matilda Kabba.
Twelve teams will play in this maiden edition of the league, 8 drawn from the provinces after completing their play offs and 4 from the Western Region
At exactly 2pm, an exhibition match between the Female Premier League Board, captained by the Legendary Music Pele, against Lelemu FC of Africell marked the opening ceremony.
The 15 minutes exhibition match ended 1-0 in favour of the Board.
In her post-match statement, Musu Pele expressed delight for commencement of female football league in the country and hoped the enthusiasm shown by fans will continue
President Bio in his statement said he’s part of the history being made by women and the people of Makeni. He said the people of the district have taken female football seriously and urged everyone to manifest the true spirit of the sport which is peace and unity.
First Lady Fatima Bio in her address said it was a historic moment that shows women can do the same as men in sports. She encouraged everyone to support the success of female football in the country. She said only football can break the political barriers in the country.
Asma James, Board Chair of the female premier league noted that 6 months ago, Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Thomas Daddy Brima appointed them to steer the ship of female football in the country. She thanked him for the trust placed in her executive to run the female league and promised to deliver at all cost.
She urged for everyone’s support for the league to grow.
Daddy Brima in his reaction said everyone is relevant and that when football is at its peak in the country, politics will step aside. He thanked President Bio for always supporting football and pleaded for a continuation to ensure that football plays.
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