Western Area Mini-League Organizers Seek Permission to Complete Suspended Competitions
Aaron Parker Representatives of the Western Area Mini-League Organizers Union have appealed to the Ministry of Sports to allow community Mini-League competitions that were already underway before the suspension to complete their remaining fixtures.
The appeal was made during a meeting with Sports Minister Madam Augusta Teima on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Ministry of Sports Office at Bishop House in Freetown.
The organizers highlighted the challenges faced by competitions that had progressed to advanced stages before the suspension and called for consideration to be given to allowing them to conclude, particularly ahead of the anticipated commencement of the Sierra Leone Premier League.
They emphasized the importance of Mini-League competitions to grassroots football, noting that the tournaments provide opportunities for young players, support talent identification and bring communities together through sport.
Responding to the appeal, Minister Augusta Teima urged the organizers to remain patient as the Ministry and other relevant authorities continue reviewing the situation.
The Minister disclosed that a Technical Committee comprising representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies is currently developing guidelines for the organization and monitoring of Mini-League and other community sporting activities.
According to the Minister, the new guidelines are expected to provide a clearer framework for the safe and orderly conduct of community football competitions. She added that the guidelines would be released soon, after which the authorities would determine the way forward for the suspended Mini-League competitions.
The engagement was attended by Director of Sports Haroun Korjie and Momodu Alpha, the Ministry of Sports representative on the Technical Committee.
The organizers’ delegation comprised Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr of MSMC, Sullay Costello of KFA, Mohamed McCarthy Bangura of MFF and Philip Menday Sesay of COFA.
The organizers welcomed the engagement with the Ministry and reiterated their request for consideration to be given to competitions already at advanced stages.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continued dialogue as the Technical Committee finalizes the new guidelines, with the organizers now awaiting further guidance from the Ministry on the future of the suspended competitions.