SLFA CONGRESS IN KENEMA – THE FARCE AND THE COMING FIASCO IN MAKENI
We have no option but to tell the SLFA how disappointed the whole nation is with the farce they call a delegates’ conference which took place Kenema last weekend. Those of us who thought that after all these years of turmoil, arising from rigged electoral mandates, disenfranchisement of whole regions, politically-motivated sackings at the SLFA, FIFA suspension of Sierra Leone, court cases and all that, things will simmer down in the SLFA are now thoroughly disappointed. Yes indeed we are.
The first extraordinary congress in Portloko went comparatively well. So despite the little troubles here and there including the SLFA people rushing to Freetown to watch football, we thought the SLFA will step things up a bit for Kenema. But it was a real horror show and the truth is that many people are convinced now that it was all planned by hidden hands in some dark room and executed in a somewhat brutal style, totally without regard for what people think about the process that brought us this absolutely flawed outcome.
We have some questions for the SLFA as we try to dig ourselves out of this administrative and political hole the organization and the nation have landed in.
1. Why was it necessary to deploy all those riot police officers in that hotel compound for a meeting of less than SIXTY delegates and a handful of observers and journalists? In fact all journalists were kicked out after the opening ceremony. Was this about intimidating people or what?
2. How come most of the so-called accredited observers were people who spend a good amount of their time daily, praising Madam in all phone-in programs on the many radio stations in Freetown in particular. Was it some kind payback or what?
3. Are we sure some so-called observers did not end up voting? The counting is another story altogether. Those who counted the votes think they are really smart. They may have received their fees but they know deep down that these things never last.
4. How can the same conference that brought in people who send text messages on radio programs to praise the madam throw out people like Rodney Michael and Kasho Holland – Cole? Why were Kasho and Rodney not allowed in even as observers after their delegate status was wrongly taken from them? Madam’s only way to stay in office is to disqualify her contenders. It will not happen this time. We want an open contest.
5. Madam knows she doesn’t have the numbers to win a properly conducted vote by secret ballot. Watch out for what will happen in Makeni.
In all of this we hold FIFA responsible. Look at the hapless hit man they call observer that they sent out here this time around. The man’s conduct in that hall is enough to take him to the gallows.
WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE ABOUT FOOTBALL VIOLENCE IN KENEMA?
Somebody should definitely explain to the nation, not just football fans why there is always violence with football matches at the main playing ground in Kenema. During the Premier League of 2019 with Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai as chairman, the match between Kamboi Eagles and Diamond Stars of Kono was abandoned because of crowd trouble. Recently the match with Mighty Blackpool ended in violence, last weekend was the turn of East End Lions. So what is the matter with league matches taking place at the Kenema field?
We witnessed last weekend’s match while were in the town on some private matter. Here’s what we think happened and how to proceed from here.
1. It was very clear from what happened right in front of us that the vast majority of the local fans are very decent people who went out there to support their team but there was a small group of troublemakers who may well have played a part in the trouble that occurred last Saturday. They must be identified and stopped. It can be done.
2. It was strange that the violence started from the area of the field from which much is expected in terms of comportment in a public space. We know that those who occupied the only covered stand must have paid more and generally belong to a social class that should assure us of their overwhelming concern for their family or reputation to protect. Were they invaded by troublemakers?
3. Why were Kamboi Eagles fans put in the area of the pavilion behind the reserve bench of the away team? Why were singing and dancing crowds allowed to even access that part of the grounds? Our information is that the whole clash started when the dancers approached the away team that was losing with some provocation. The incident is being investigated so we will hang this here for now.
4. Was it a tactical way of EE Lions escaping what looked like a certain defeat? Yes the fans invaded the pitch but had they shown even a modicum of zeal to continue the match for the last quarter of an hour we would have reached a conclusion.
5. How will the Premier League Board deal with this matter? Should they decide to play out the last FIFTEEN minutes of the match, we urge them NEVER to return to that rocky pitch out in Kenema. In fact they should simply take that field off the list of Premier League playing grounds in the interest of players and fans.
What’s the point of having everything in place to spread an artificial turf if after more than THREE years you still can’t do the job? What’s wrong with Kenema?
CHILDREN IN NIGHT TIME STREET TRADING: WHO CARES
Principal and his wife have taken very commendable strides to highlight and deal with the problem of children in this country. We have launched the HANDS OFF OUR GIRLS CAMPAIGN and we have come through a State of Emergency to focus minds on the question of sexual offences and even life sentence for such crimes. The judiciary has issued new sentencing guidelines for such offences.
These are serious matters and we applaud Principal for that. But we have to bring this to his notice and we want him to know this by himself but because his vehicle moves at high speed to and from work, he is not likely to capture the details of the suffering facing the nation’s children.
1. We have Free Quality Education but we have a generation of children who despite the efforts of The Principal are missing out. They are accompanying their parents living with disability on the streets begging daily while their counterparts are in school learning something. Are we saying we can’t do anything about that?
2. Lumley, Wilberforce, Model and Jui junctions are teeming with children selling things late into the evening. We don’t think this is correct. If we have laws against child labour, let’s implement them or we raise our hands and give up.
3. Elaborate media campaigns on the issue are fine but they can change only a few minds. In fact some people easily dismiss such campaigns as elite talk. So spend money in the right places and monitor the outcome.
4. Community and religious leaders have a responsibility to end child labour and exploitation. Principal should call all of them to State House and urge them to wake up. They all came to Bintumani for the launch of the Hands off Our Girls Campaign with their wives but what have they done since? Has anybody checked?
5. Principal sir, what chance do you think children so exploited have against those who are enjoying the Free Quality Education right now? You have said many times that you care for all so let’s take all the children out of market places. Please.
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