Western Area Mini-League Organizers Meet Sports Minister Over Suspension
Representatives of the Western Area Mini-League Organizers Union have met with Sports Minister Madam Augusta Teima to discuss the ongoing suspension of community Mini-League competitions across the Western Area.
The meeting, held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Ministry of Sports Office at Bishop House in Freetown, focused on the impact of the suspension on grassroots football. The organizers appealed to the authorities to allow competitions that were already underway before the suspension to complete their remaining fixtures, particularly ahead of the anticipated start of the Sierra Leone Premier League.
They stressed that Mini-League competitions provide opportunities for young players, support grassroots talent identification and strengthen community engagement, while noting the difficulties faced by tournaments that had already reached advanced stages when the suspension was announced.
Responding, Minister Augusta Teima urged the organizers to remain patient, disclosing that a Technical Committee comprising representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies is developing guidelines for the organization and monitoring of Mini-League and other community sporting activities.
The Minister said the guidelines are expected to establish a clearer framework for the safe and orderly conduct of community football competitions and will be released soon, after which authorities will determine the way forward for the suspended competitions.
The meeting was attended by Director of Sports Haroun Korjie and Momodu Alpha, the Ministry of Sports representative on the Technical Committee. The organizers’ delegation included Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr (MSMC), Sullay Costello (KFA), Mohamed McCarthy Bangura (MFF), and Philip Menday Sesay (COFA).
The organizers welcomed the engagement and renewed their appeal for consideration to be given to ongoing competitions already at advanced stages. Both sides agreed on the importance of continued dialogue as the Technical Committee finalizes the guidelines, with organizers now awaiting further guidance from the Ministry.
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