By Kemoh Sesay
Isha Johnsen led Football Association with support from Leocem has commenced its annual FA cup football tournament over the weekend in the northern provincial headquarters town of Makeni.
According to the organizers 190 teams are expected to take part in the tournament.
In his statement before the official opening of the 2016 LEOCEM FA CUP, the company’s managing director, Arne Johansen, said that they had a policy to look outside of Freetown to contribute to the physical and social development of the country. He added that their slogan: “Building Sierra Leone” meant more than just building houses, roads or bridges.
He said LEOCEM wanted to be part of the strengthening of society, thereby making Sierra Leone a country to reckon with in terms of sporting activities.
“Our company wants to see Sierra Leone excel in the fields of football as it is part of our corporate social responsibilities,” Mr Johnasen said.
The MD said through the FA Cup competition, young players in every corner of Sierra Leone would be given a chance to perform in front of spectators, coaches and foot ball administrators.
“We are kicking off the FA Cup and looking forward to 2-3 months of exciting games throughout the country," he said.
Sunkarie Kabbah Kamara, Mayor of Makeni City, said football can only unite people when all those actively involved in the activities put their country first before self. She recognized the Isha Johnasen-led executive for representing Sierra Leone globally and making the country proud.
“I’m craving the indulgence of every Sierra Leonean to support the FA President who has made Sierra Leone football positive in global headline news. Let us come together for the good of the country and for the game we love so much,” the Mayor said.
The SLFA vice President, Ali Commoner Kargbo,thanked the LEOCEM management for making the FA Cup a success story for the second time. He assured that the competition would be used as a stepping stone to change the face of football in the country.
In the opening match, Ocean Boys defeated Teko Boys Society 3-0 and the 2016 FA Cup first goal scorer, Saidu Koroma (Captain of Ocean Boys) who also scored the third goal and was awarded a cash prize by the Leocem MD.
In this year's FA Cup, the Champions will take home 40 Million Leones while the runner up get 30M Leones. Third place is Le 20 million and fourth place Le 10 million.
All other districts will commence their opening ceremonies next weekend simultaneously, according to Abubakarr Kamara, Head of Media and Marketing at the Sierra Leone Football Association.
(C) Politico 09/03/16
