Leone Rock Metal Group Signs NLe 3,388,170 Sponsorship Deal with SL Premier League for 2024-2025 Season
By Abdul Rahman Bah
In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of local sports in Sierra Leone, the Leone Rock Metal Group has announced a partnership with the Sierra Leone Premier League Board, securing a sponsorship deal worth $150,000 (approximately NLe 3,388,170) for the 2024-2025 season. This is the second consecutive year that Leone Rock Metal Group has committed to supporting the premier football league in Sierra Leone, marking an important milestone in the ongoing effort to professionalize the country’s sports sector and foster the growth of local talent.
The contract signing ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu Conference Hall in Freetown, a venue known for hosting high-profile events. The event brought together key figures from the government, football associations, corporate sponsors, and the media, all of whom were eager to witness this exciting development for the sport.
Magistrate Mark Ngegba, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Premier League Board, took the opportunity to express his excitement about the upcoming season. He confirmed that the 2024-2025 season would begin in the coming weeks and emphasized the league’s commitment to fairness, integrity, and continuous improvement. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the league continues to raise the bar in terms of both competition and the professionalism of the teams involved, with the goal of making Sierra Leone’s football scene a major force in Africa.
Leone Rock Metal Group, represented by Mohamed Daffae, highlighted their passion for the sport and their dedication to nurturing Sierra Leone’s next generation of football stars. Daffae explained that the partnership was not just about financial support, but about creating meaningful opportunities for the youth of Sierra Leone. He spoke about how sports can unite communities, provide hope for young people, and offer them avenues for personal growth and success.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the sponsorship agreement is the creation of over 1,500 direct and indirect jobs throughout the country. This includes jobs in various sectors such as event management, marketing, media, logistics, and match-day operations, showcasing the broader economic impact that football can have on Sierra Leone’s economy.
While the partnership between Leone Rock Metal Group and the Premier League Board was a highlight of the event, other stakeholders were also quick to highlight the progress made in Sierra Leone’s football development. The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), which oversees football at all levels—from youth leagues to the national team—has been instrumental in the country’s growing football scene. Despite some logistical challenges, including delayed prize money distribution in previous seasons, the SLFA remains focused on improving the overall structure of the league and addressing issues in a timely and efficient manner. It was announced at the event that all outstanding prize payments would be resolved by the end of the year, reinforcing the league’s commitment to its players and clubs.
Mr. Saffa Abdulai, Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), also spoke at the event, sharing his perspective on the role of sports in national development. He acknowledged that while Sierra Leone has made significant strides in football, more work remains to be done to harness the full potential of the sport. Abdulai highlighted that the sports industry is worth billions of dollars globally, and Sierra Leone must continue to invest in its infrastructure and human capital to maximize the benefits of sports. He stressed the need for professional management, proper funding, and strategic planning to ensure that the country’s sports programs can reach their full potential.
Abdulai also called for a more inclusive approach to sports development, urging the government, private sector, and civil society to work together to create opportunities for young people in all parts of the country. He pointed out that sports can play a transformative role in communities, providing a platform for social cohesion, youth empowerment, and skill development.
The event also featured remarks from Mr. Alhaji Mohamed Turay, Chief Technical Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group, who shared insights into the company’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in all its sponsorship initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and reaffirmed that the company’s support for the Premier League would be aligned with clear objectives aimed at maximizing the impact of their sponsorship.
Thomas Daddy Brima, President of the SLFA, expressed his gratitude to the Leone Rock Metal Group for its continued partnership and unwavering support for Sierra Leone’s football ecosystem. Brima highlighted the importance of constructive competition in football and stressed that adherence to regulations, ethical standards, and good governance would help elevate the country’s standing in the global football community.
Brima also pointed out that Sierra Leone can draw inspiration from other African nations, where private sector involvement in football has led to substantial improvements in infrastructure, player development, and overall league competitiveness. He emphasized that with the right investment and a focus on long-term growth, Sierra Leone’s Premier League could become a leading football competition in West Africa.
In closing, Madam Augusta James Teima, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Sports, reflected on the government’s commitment to supporting the development of sports in the country. She reiterated the importance of youth empowerment through sports and highlighted the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for investment in the sector. Teima emphasized that the collaboration between the government, the private sector, and sports organizations like the SLFA and the Premier League Board is essential for driving positive change and achieving sustained success.
As the 2024-2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Sierra Leone Premier League, which promises to be more competitive and dynamic than ever. With the backing of sponsors like Leone Rock Metal Group, the league is set to offer fans exciting football, while continuing to provide opportunities for the next generation of football stars. The future of sports in Sierra Leone looks bright, and the government’s ongoing efforts to support the sector will play a crucial role in driving its continued success
