Minister of Sports Tiema Advocates for Youth and Community Development

By Abdulrahman Bah

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, representatives from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Ministry of Sport, the National Sports Authority, the Sierra Leone Football Association, and the Premier League Board gathered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tower Hill, Freetown, to discuss the positive developments and challenges in Sierra Leone’s sports sector.

Minister of Sport, Mrs. Augusta James Tiema, highlighted the transformative power of sports in the country. She emphasized its critical role in fostering community connections, improving public health, and providing valuable opportunities for youth development. Minister Tiema acknowledged the President’s leadership in revitalizing the sports sector, making it a government priority.

Regarding infrastructure, she outlined the government’s strategic plan to collaborate with the Ministry of Land to develop more sports facilities, citing Bo Stadium as a key example. The vision is to create venues capable of hosting international competitions, thereby elevating Sierra Leone’s profile in the global sports community. The Minister also expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Chinese government, which has significantly improved the country’s sports infrastructure.

Minister Tiema emphasized the diversity of sports in Sierra Leone, beyond just football, highlighting volleyball, gymnastics, and tennis. She noted that promoting a broader sporting culture could create jobs for coaches, administrators, event organizers, and support staff, thus opening up new employment opportunities for the youth.

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, elaborated on the government’s financial commitment to sports, announcing substantial investments aimed at sector growth. He stated that this would enhance Sierra Leone’s competitiveness on the international stage and create job opportunities. Saffa discussed plans for capacity building, including training for athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to elevate performance standards across disciplines.

One key initiative mentioned by Saffa is the reintroduction of traditional sports in preparation for the 2025 Olympic Games. He stressed the importance of preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage through these sports, which would diversify the country’s sporting portfolio and attract international attention. He also highlighted the significant economic impact a thriving sports industry can have, from increased tourism to job creation. Additionally, Saffa revealed that the government had provided substantial financial support to the Leone Stars, ensuring the national football team is well-resourced for its matches.

Thomas Daddy Brima, president of the Sierra Leone Football Association, emphasized football’s role in fostering national unity and promoting peace. He noted the growing number of competitive football events, such as the FA Cup and various league divisions, which have been crucial in raising the sport’s standards. Brima proudly highlighted the success of youth teams, specifically the U17 and U20 football clubs, noting the qualification of the U20 team during his tenure as a major accomplishment for Sierra Leonean football. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting football across all regions, ensuring it remains a unifying force in the country.

Mr. Victor Lewis praised the strides made by the Sierra Leone Premier League, particularly the milestone of broadcasting Premier League matches on AYV Television via DSTV. This development has significantly expanded the visibility of local football, increasing the league’s reach within Sierra Leone and across the continent, thereby engaging more fans with the sport. He also noted the success of Sierra Leonean players in international competitions.