Chief Minister Sengeh Highlights Growing Importance of Football

Chief Minister Sengeh Highlights Growing Importance of Football

Chief Minister David Sengeh has highlighted the growing economic, social and sporting importance of football in Sierra Leone following the opening of the new Premier League season at the Southern Arena in Bo.

Speaking after joining more than 6,000 fans for the Unity Cup encounter between Bo Rangers and East End Lions, Sengeh described the large turnout as a reflection of the growing passion for football across the country. Bo Rangers secured a last-minute victory, but the Chief Minister said the benefits of the game extended beyond the result.

He said renewed investment in football is creating opportunities for thousands of people and supporting hundreds of businesses through employment, marketing, coaching and other match-day and football-related services.

Sengeh credited President Julius Maada Bio’s administration with supporting the revival of the Premier League, investing in local football and improving sporting infrastructure. He expressed optimism that ongoing projects, including the National Stadium, would be completed.

He commended the Sierra Leone Football Association Executive and club owners for investing in football development, while praising SLFA President Babadi Kamara for what he described as systematic transformation of the sport at national and local levels.

The Chief Minister also highlighted East End Lions Executive Chairman Ambassador Anthony Junior Navo’s unveiling of a player signed from the Egyptian Premier League as an example of growing private-sector involvement in football. He also acknowledged Dr. P.K. Muana for his contribution to improving the integrity and standards of refereeing.

Beyond the sport, Sengeh said the atmosphere at the Southern Arena demonstrated football’s ability to unite people from different backgrounds. He noted the presence of families, children, people living with disabilities, football officials, directors and artists, describing football as a platform for community building, social interaction, creativity and peaceful expression.

He thanked the Southern Arena management for providing a safe environment for supporters and said the new season represents not only a fresh chapter for Sierra Leonean football but also an opportunity for communities, businesses and individuals to benefit from the continued growth of the sport.