Sierra Leone Roars Back onto Continental Stage at ITF/CAT U-12 Tennis Championship

Sierra Leone Roars Back onto Continental Stage at ITF/CAT U-12 Tennis Championship

Sierra Leone is poised for a triumphant return to international tennis, with its promising young talents set to compete in the prestigious ITF/CAT Western (2) African Junior Teams’ Competition for 12 & Under (AJTC – 12&U). The highly anticipated tournament, a crucial qualifier for the African Junior Teams’ Competition (12&U) Final Event, kicks off on September 15th and runs until September 19th, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.

This marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leonean tennis, as the nation competes in the U-12 category for the first time in several years. Leading the charge in the boys' U-12 division are three exceptional young athletes: Daniel Kamara, Sheku Lamin Conteh, and Mohamed Sesay.

Under the expert guidance of Coach Amidu Dumbuya, who has diligently prepared the trio for the past month, the team is brimming with confidence. Speaking before their departure, Daniel Kamara exuded national pride, declaring, "We are committed to giving our best, winning matches, and making Sierra Leone proud." His teammates, Sheku Lamin Conteh and Mohamed Sesay, echoed these sentiments, expressing their excitement to represent their country on this international platform for the first time. They also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Sierra Leone Tennis Association (SLTA) for their unwavering support and belief in their abilities.

Coach Amidu Dumbuya shared his optimism, noting the boys' "great dedication" and emphasizing that the competition offers an invaluable opportunity for them to "test themselves and gain international experience." He added confidently, "I am confident they will do well."

Andy Bam, President of the SLTA, articulated the profound significance of this moment. "It is a proud moment for us. Returning to the U-12 competition after many years shows progress. We are committed to nurturing young talent and showcasing them on the continental stage," he stated, highlighting the association's dedication to developing future tennis stars.

The tournament, graciously hosted by the Ghana Tennis Association, will unfold at the Ghana Lawn Tennis Club in Adabraka, on its challenging clay courts. Teams are slated to arrive today, September 14th, with fierce competition scheduled from September 15th to 19th. Departure for the participating nations is set for September 20th, 2025.

Nations from across the Western (2) African region will vie for supremacy, with only one boys’ team and one girls’ team from this zone earning a coveted spot in the final AJTC 12&U event. This stringent qualification process promises an intense and highly competitive spectacle.

Event organizers are providing full hospitality, including meals and accommodation, for all official team members (three players plus one captain) from their arrival to departure. Players will be comfortably housed in shared rooms (three per room), while captains will enjoy double rooms.

This venture heralds a new chapter for junior tennis in Sierra Leone, presenting a golden opportunity to inspire a new generation of players. The AJTC is more than just a competitive platform; it serves as a crucial developmental springboard for the African tennis stars of tomorrow. Sierra Leone’s participation sends a resounding message: the nation is unequivocally investing in youth tennis and resolutely aiming for greatness on the continental stage.