By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Sierra Leone’s division one side, Real Mack Football Club, has signed a five year partnership deal with Seedorf Soccerlink Academy and Agency, the club announced on Monday. The signing ceremony was done virtually between the Chief Executive of Real Mack and the management of the Soccerlink.
Soccerlink, which was established by Dutch football Legend, Clarent Seedorf 12 years ago, operates in three countries: Swaziland, Portugal, and Ghana. Sierra Leone becomes the fourth country to be affiliated with the academy and football agency.
Explaining the content of the five year deal, Real Mack said in a statement on Monday: “The Five Years agreement makes provision for SoccerLink agency to be in charge of marketing and representing Real Mack's FC and players, provide kits sponsorship from Turkey textiles company, NIKE branding, provide qualified and standard coaches with UEFA - A license, players exchange program and organize tours to expose the players around the world.”
Chief Executive of Real Mack, Mahmoud Mackie, said this is a big opportunity for the club and the country to export some of its footballing talents across the world.
“This day is a big day for football fans of the club and football in Sierra Leone,” Mackie said, adding: "I call on our players to make good use of this big opportunity at their doorstep to achieve their dream destination in football" the club quoted him on their Facebook page.
Mackie also said: “I am excited to have created another avenue to sell Sierra Leone to the world through football"
Director of Football at Soccerlink, Paul Wilson, said they are excited to partner with a club in Sierra Leone. Wilson was quoted in Real Mack’s statement saying: "We are looking forward to a prosperous journey."
Real Mack’s deal comes at a time when sport is yet to resume in the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The club said this has not dampened their spirit or halted their progress.
When football resumes in the country, Pharmacy Boys, as they are commonly known, will be preparing to push for a premier league spot next season. The club has gone through a major rebuilding and rebranding in the last few months.
Last week they lost their coach, Abu Sankoh to a national side, after he was announced as the Head Coach for the National U-15 boys.
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