Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) on Tuesday formally presented trophies and medals to the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, in recognition of the National Senior Women’s Cricket Team’s achievement at the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier in Gaborone, Botswana.
The team finished as runners-up in the regional tournament, securing a historic position despite limited financial support. The symbolic presentation ceremony was held at the NSA headquarters in Freetown and attended by CSL officials, media representatives, and members of the victorious squad.
CSL Vice Chairman Kobi Walker led the delegation and handed over the runner-up trophy to Dr. Abdulai. Walker described the team’s performance as “inspiring,” noting the challenging conditions the players faced while representing Sierra Leone.
“Our ladies travelled to Botswana without a single cent from government support,” Walker stated. “That they managed to reach the finals is a testament to their grit and passion.”
Walker appealed for more structured and long-term support for athletes, suggesting that provisions such as land allocations could serve as a form of recognition and encouragement for veteran players. He also called for urgent government intervention to ensure the team’s participation in the next round of the tournament, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier scheduled for August.
“Supporting these young women is a strategic investment in nation-building,” Walker emphasized. “It helps keep them away from negative influences and promotes national pride.”
In response, NSA Executive Director Dr. Abdulai congratulated the team for their strong performance and extended a public apology for the lack of state support during the Botswana campaign.
“We acknowledge the gap, and I sincerely apologies. The system needs to be better,” he said. “However, I assure you that the NSA is committed to changing this narrative. We will begin by supporting your local leagues this year.”
Dr. Abdulai revealed that efforts are currently underway to mobilize resources for cricket and other underfunded sports. He also announced plans to facilitate a meeting between the women’s team and President Julius Maada Bio to highlight their accomplishments and challenges.
“The President needs to hear your story, see your trophies, and understand your experience,” he noted.
The NSA head also emphasized the broader role of sports in addressing youth challenges, including social issues such as drug abuse and unemployment. He encouraged unity within the cricket fraternity, urging CSL Board Chairman Francis Trevor Samura to engage with aggrieved members in order to strengthen the organization.
The event concluded with remarks from team captain Aminata Kamara, who expressed appreciation to CSL for its continued support. She voiced optimism about the team’s future and expressed hope that government support would materialize before their next international assignment.
The Sierra Leone women’s cricket team is expected to represent the country at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in August 2025, pending logistical and financial support.
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