By Desmond Tunde Coker
The Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, National Sports Authority (NSA) boss, Dr Kenneth Brima and senior officials from the Ministry and NSA, have visited the Sierra Leone Football Association Secretariat to inspect the ongoing artificial turf construction project.
On arrival, the delegation was received by the Acting General Secretary, Ing. Mohamed Benson Bawoh.
In his opening statement, Benson welcomed the Minister and her delegation, expressing special thanks for the visit.
He gave an overview of work done so far, and explained how the pitch would look like upon completion of the project.
“It will be fully equipped with modern facilities; two dressing rooms with an Anti-Doping Center”, he added.
He also talked on the ongoing construction of other artificial turfs at Approved School, Port Loko and Bo Coronation Field. “These pitches will have the same modernized facilities or equipment like the football Academy pitch.”
The SLFA Ag. General Secretary also updated the Minister of Sports on the rehabilitation work at the Kenema Town and Koidu Playing fields, like the fixing of flood lights and drainage system.
“We also have other pending major projects. When the time comes, we will update you accordingly.”
He also updated Minister James-Teima on the Division One League and FA Cup competition, which are in progress, and also pointed out that school competitions would commence soonest.
He expressed special thanks to the H.E. President of Sierra Leone, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio and his Government for their massive financial support towards the National Teams and the men’s and women’s premier leagues.
“On behalf of my President and his Executive, my special regard goes to you and your entourage. I hope we will continue to work as a formidable team for the development of football,” Benson ended.
In her response, the Sports Minister said: “I am very much happy to be here with officials from the Ministry, the NSA Boss, Dr Kenneth Brima, and his Executives.I am happy about the development going on at the Academy and other parts of the country that have to do with the construction of artificial turfs.This is what I want to see with all associations by creating decent facilities and venues. Whatever you may say, football is number one in the world. I am really really impressed with the overall report, and I am happy to work with you. I love hard working associations. This is what our President H.E Julius Maada Bio is expecting from you. keep it up.”
She ended by promising to visit other venues where construction of artificial turfs are ongoing.
“Thanks for the reception we received on our arrival, God bless you”, Minister James-Teima concluded.