By Desmond Tunde Coker
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the Sierra Leone Roll Ball Team secured a 4-2 victory over Ivory Coast at the Lycee Classique Sports Resort in Abidjan. The win came as part of the team’s early preparations for the inaugural Mano River Union Roll Ball Tournament, scheduled to be hosted in Sierra Leone in November 2025.
This victory was made possible through the financial support of the National Sports Authority (NSA), which has been instrumental in developing youth sports across the country. Dr. Saffa Abdulai, the head of the NSA, played a pivotal role in securing this support, demonstrating his commitment to empowering young people through sports.
As part of the buildup to the main event, all four Mano River Union countries—Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Guinea—will meet in Bo City in December 2024 for the official ceremony to determine the hosting rights for the tournament.
The President of the Sierra Leone Roll Ball Federation expressed optimism following the win, stating that this is part of Sierra Leone’s plan to make a strong impression on the international stage. “This victory is just the beginning. We aim to introduce Sierra Leonean Roll Ball to the world in a way that surprises everyone,” the President said.
What is Roll Ball?
Roll Ball, a dynamic sport played on roller skates, involves two teams of 12 players, with 6 players from each side on the court at any given time. The game’s goal is simple: score more goals than the opponent using a ball that can be dribbled like in basketball or handball.
The sport, invented by Mr. Raju Dabhade in Pune, India, combines elements of basketball and handball, with players required to dribble while moving. Foul rules and penalties are similar to those in football, with yellow and red cards issued for violations.
The playing court for Roll Ball ranges from 28 to 40 meters in length and 15 to 20 meters in width, and is made from materials such as concrete or wood. Goals are 2.25 meters wide by 2.00 meters high, with various lines marking penalty and goalkeeper areas.
The Role of the National Sports Authority (NSA)
The NSA, established by an Act of Parliament, is responsible for promoting and supervising all sports activities in Sierra Leone. Dr. Abdulai and his team have worked tirelessly to ensure the development of Roll Ball and other sports, seeing them as crucial tools for youth empowerment. This financial support enabled the team to train and travel for this crucial match in Abidjan.
With their recent victory over Ivory Coast, the Sierra Leone Roll Ball Team is setting the stage for a successful showing in the upcoming Mano River Union Roll Ball Tournament, further establishing Sierra Leone as a rising force in this emerging sport.