Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, delivered a strong message of support and encouragement to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) during its Ordinary Congress held on Saturday at Catco Hall, setting the tone of unity and good governance within the country’s leading sports body.
Speaking at the gathering, Madam James-Teima extended warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, who, according to the minister, is confident that this year’s congress proceedings will remain peaceful and productive.
“I am really impressed with the delegates and Executive for coming together to make it work this time. As a Sport Minister, I believe in good governance. Gone are those days when we do things like that. Now we have to follow due processes.”
She commended the SLFA for its resilience in organizing the congress despite recent setbacks, referencing a mishap that occurred two weeks ago. “Even though the mistake had happened, you were able to learn from it and hold this congress. You are setting the example for other organisations to emulate.”
Highlighting the SLFA’s significance, Madam James-Teima noted the association’s leading role in sports across the country. “The SLFA is always number one when it comes to Sport in this country… You have to set the pace always.”
Emphasizing the importance of values such as accountability, integrity, and transparency, the Minister urged the football body to maintain these principles to ensure long-term unity and success.
She concluded with a message of optimism ahead of the Sierra Leone U-20 team’s match against Zambia in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, stating, “Government is rating you very high and would want you to do the needful. And this will lead us to victory for the U20 against Zambia.”
The congress paves the way for an upcoming elective congress, with expectations high for continued progress within the SLFA.
