Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Thomas Daddy Brima, alongside Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James Teima and National Sports Authority (NSA) Director Dr. Kenneth Brima, recently inspected the ongoing construction of the artificial turf pitch at the Approved School Playing Grounds in East Freetown.
This visit highlights the SLFA’s commitment to ensuring the pitch meets FIFA standards, similar to the ones being built at the SLFA Academy, Port Loko Town Field, and Bo Coronation Field.
President Brima emphasized that these facilities are a gift to the people of Sierra Leone. While acknowledging the ongoing construction, he called on the government for additional support. He requested the construction of spectator seating, restrooms, a canteen, storage facilities, and other amenities at the Approved School pitch.
“We are grateful for the government’s support thus far, but there’s more to be done,” President Brima said. “In the next two years, we plan to upgrade Parade Field, Magburaka Field, Makeni, and Mattru Jong. We are committed to improving football because it belongs to the people of Sierra Leone.”
Local authorities, including Councilor Abu Bakarr Kamara, Local Chief Pa Alimamy Conteh, and members of the Approved School Sports Promoters Association, warmly welcomed the delegation.
Minister Teima commended the SLFA’s efforts and recognized FIFA’s support, highlighting the importance of the Association’s technical and administrative expertise for these projects’ success. She pledged her ministry’s support for spectator seating at the Approved School pitch.
SLFA Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, WAFA Chairman Pastor Philip Buck, WAFA Secretary-General Benjamin Gordon, SLFA Director of Competition Sorie Ibrahim Sesay, and other dignitaries also attended the visit.
The Edel Grass Construction Company representative, Hubertus Marinus van de Wetering, reported that the floodlights are complete and the turf installation is progressing steadily. He anticipated the Approved School Field to be fully functional and ready for matches within seven days.
