Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has issued a strong appeal to the Chinese government and its embassy in Freetown to accelerate the rehabilitation of the National Stadium, warning that the prolonged delay is creating mounting economic and sporting setbacks.
The Siaka Stevens Stadium, closed for renovation since February 2022, was initially slated for completion in 2024. However, the $40 million China-funded refurbishment has exceeded its original timeline, sparking growing frustration among football authorities and fans.
“We are calling on the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone that the National Stadium refurbishment has taken so long, and it is becoming unbearable,” Kamara said. He explained that hosting the Leone Stars’ home matches in neighboring Liberia has placed a heavy financial burden on the state costing an estimated $300,000 per match and depriving the team of vital home support.
He added, “Taking three to four years to refurbish a stadium is too long. People build brand new stadiums in five years.”
In May, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh announced that the rehabilitation was now expected to be completed within 18 to 20 months, following a revised $50 million grant from the Chinese government. The upgraded project aims to modernize the stadium and strengthen Sierra Leone’s sports infrastructure.
Dr. Sengeh outlined a three-phase plan for completion:
Phase One: Renovation of hostels and construction of a perimeter fence. The hostels comprising 55 single and 45 double rooms are reportedly 90% complete, with furniture already delivered. The fence is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Phase Two: Rehabilitation of the swimming pool facilities, including men’s and children’s pools. Contractors are expected to submit proposals for additional diving facilities within a month, with completion targeted within 12 months.
Phase Three: Overhaul of the main bowl seating. The redesigned structure will now seat 23,000 spectators down from 35,000 to meet modern safety and engineering standards. Seating installation, provided by China Aid, is scheduled to begin in October 2025 and will take roughly 14 months.
Dr. Sengeh acknowledged that delays stemmed from safety concerns, financial reviews, and design changes but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and timely delivery.
Opened in 1979, the National Stadium remains Sierra Leone’s only FIFA-certified venue for international matches. Its closure has forced the Leone Stars to play home games abroad primarily in Liberia costing the government millions and affecting local fan engagement.
While several regional stadiums in Bo, Port Loko, and Freetown have received artificial turf through FIFA-supported projects, none meet full international certification standards. This limitation hampers Sierra Leone’s capacity to host CAF or FIFA tournaments, youth competitions, or club-level continental fixtures.
The over-reliance on a single stadium has also stifled opportunities for regional sports growth, tourism, and revenue generation. Expanding FIFA-standard facilities across the country, analysts argue, would not only reduce logistical costs but also promote decentralization, boost fan participation, and enhance Sierra Leone’s prospects as a regional football hub.
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