SLFA Launches U-17 Talent Hunt to Cultivate Future Football Stars in Kenema
- Alhaji Amadu Dumbuya
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has officially kicked off its U-17 Boys Talent Hunt Programme at the Kenema City Field, a strategic initiative aimed at scouting and developing the nation's next generation of football talent.
The event drew a gathering of aspiring athletes from various youth football clubs affiliated with the Kenema District Football Association (KDFA). The opening session featured a distinguished panel of coaches, including Coach Bah, Ram K Med, Coach Mikel, Coach James Sumaila, Super Sports Coach Simeoni, and Coach Lampard.
Mohamed Pateh Jabbie, the SLFA Vice Chairman for Youth Football and Chairman of the KDFA—commonly known as "Skillo Jabbie"—was in attendance alongside District Youth Football Assistant Secretary Mohamed Sheku. During his remarks, Mr. Jabbie praised SLFA President Babadi Kamara and the executive committee for their sustained focus on grassroots football.
He emphasized that this programme is a critical component in identifying gifted players who will ultimately form the foundation of Sierra Leone’s future national teams.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Jabbie urged the young athletes to approach the trials with discipline and professionalism, guaranteeing that the selection process would be rooted entirely in merit and performance. "There will be no room for favouritism," he stated, adding that only those who distinguish themselves will advance to the regional stages of the competition.
Speaking for the technical staff, Coach Mikel challenged his colleagues to maintain high standards throughout the evaluation process. He noted the importance of the talent hunt as a vital pathway for young players, reiterating that the final selection will represent Kenema at the regional level.
This programme represents another key milestone in the SLFA’s ongoing efforts under President Babadi Kamara to prioritize talent identification and long-term development within Sierra Leonean football.
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