"A new blood in my veins" Claye

By Kemoh Sesay

The Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield United Football Club, Sierra Leone, Fred Claye, has told Politico that winning this year's Sports Personality of the year award was like "new blood in my vein to spur me on to serve my country better".

He said to prevail over personalities like Ahmed Khanou and Pamela Williams was "a great feat". The philanthropist and football administrator said, "this is a life-time award as it marks a special day of this year for me". He called on all football stakeholders to "put aside differences and work tirelessly to improve the sport in this country’’.

Claye who picked up 75% of the votes, thanked all those who voted for him especially supporters of his club Sheffield United. He is the third football administrator to win the prestigious Fode Kandeh trophy, named after a prominent Sport Journalists.

Award Winners 2012

Best Footballer – Mohamed Medo Kamara

Best Team – Diamond Stars

Best Coach – Lamin Bangura

Best Male Athlete – Thomas Vandi

Best Female Athlete – Mariatu Suma

Best Cricketer – Jacob Mansaray

Best Volleyball Male – Patrick Lombi

Best Volleyball Female – Zainab Kamara

Best Basketball Player – James Johnson

Best Boxer – Edward Bangura

Best Cyclist – Mohamed Tholley

Best Handball – Joseph Bangura

Best Weight Lifter – Musa Swarray

Best Golfer – Idrisa Farnel

Best Lawn Tennis – Amsa Kabba

Best Judo – P.E.O. Decker

Best Wrestler – David Conteh

Best Karatekan – Lamin Bangura

Fode Kandeh Award – Mohamed Kallon

Presidential Award – Ahmed Khanu

Award Winners 2013

Best Footballer – Kei Ansu Kamara

Best Team – Mighty Blackpool FC

Best Coach – Abu Sankoh

Best Male Athlete – Jimmy Thoronka

Best Female Athlete – Mamie K Lahun

Best Cricketer – Brima Ansumana

Best Volleyball Male – Abu Bakarr Ibrahim Kamara

Best Volleyball Female – Zainab Kamara

Best Basketball Player – Mohamed T. Sesay

 Best Cyclist – Mohamed Tholley

Best Handball – Teddy Campbell

Best Weight Lifter – William Gallex

Best Golfer – Paul Kargbo

Best Lawn Tennis – Mamoud Sesay

Best Judo – Abu Bakarr Turay

Best Wrestler – Abdulai Rogers

Best Karatekan – Lamin Bangura

Fode Kandeh Award – Fred Claye

Presidential Award – Henry G. Moore

Print  - Barrie Alpha

Electronics – No Winner

(C) Politico 10/12/13