By Babadi Kamara
I have been following with avid interest recent events on social media especially the furore surrounding our Senior Men's national football team, Leone Stars. It ranges from the official/unofficial delegation list of people travelling to the Lesotho match, the Press Release from the Ministry of Finance regarding the amount approved and disbursed to the NSA/MOS, the Press Release from the SLFA making clarifications in respect of the said Press Release to the lack lustre performance of our boys in the scoreless match against Lesotho.
While I appreciate the seriousness of the issues currently trending on social media that require some thoughtful consideration, I, however, hold the view that the same should be adjourned even if briefly as this inappropriate attitude risks undermining our objective as a nation – Leone Stars to qualify for the AFCON tournament.
Our nation is going through some challenging times in our football history. This generation is yet to enjoy the excitement of qualifying for a major competition in recent years. Our aim should therefore be, inter alia, to be back at the elite continental tournament after almost 25 years in the wilderness. It is a resounding cry from fans across the country. We can always have time to look into the issues with a view of finding solutions to them. But for now, let us exert our energies in finding ways of helping to regenerate and raise aspirations and self-esteem of our team.
No doubt, this is one of the best chances we have had in recent times to qualify for the AFCON. Nothing is over until we decide it is. And it isn’t over now. I therefore encourage all Sierra Leoneans to support the team more than ever before as such support is badly needed to help boost the morale and confidence of the team. Let us continue being the shining example of a country where multiple ethnicities work and show allegiance to our country. Let us know that a victory here against Benin will qualify our darling Leone Stars to the AFCON.
To the players, just put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be and you will be in our hearts forever. Lads, the key is not the will to win. Benin too have that will. It is the will to prepare to win that is important. 90 minutes of sweat. 90 minutes of pain. 90 minutes to give your all. 90 minutes that will never come back. 90 minutes that could change your life forever. Are you ready?
Therefore, I implore you all to give everything you have inside you when you set your foot on the field on Tuesday. Go and do it for Allah (God) and country.
On behalf of Bo Rangers Football Club and my humble self, I pray for a safe return of our delegation and wish our darling Leone Stars victory on Tuesday. Go Leone Stars as the whole country is behind you.
The author, Babadi Kamara is the Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers Football Club.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online {30/03/21)
