In a bid to elevate the Sierra Leone Police Male Football team and fortify their participation in the Western Area Football Association (WAFA) Division One League, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. William Fayia Sellu unveiled two complete sets of brand new football kits during a well-attended ceremony at the Police Headquarters on George Street, Freetown, on December 29th, 2023.

The unveiling, held in the Conference Room, marked a significant moment for the team’s preparation in the league, as the kits encompassed jerseys, boots, hoses, balls, training bibs, and cones.

Expressing his appreciation to the players for their commitment to the SLP FC, IGP Sellu highlighted a crucial challenge faced by the team: the lack of proper transportation for long-distance fixtures. He empathized with the players, stating, “It’s somehow disheartening to see players travel long distance on trucks to go and play football.”

To alleviate this issue, the IGP not only presented the team with Twenty Thousand New Leones (NLe20,000) in cash but also pledged to procure a Mini-Bus for their transportation needs by March 2024. Emphasizing his dedication to transforming football within the Sierra Leone Police, IGP Sellu expressed his intent to actively engage with the male team, paralleling the commitment his wife has shown to the female team.

Before the ceremonial unveiling of the items, ASP Daniel Koroma, the Secretary General of the SLP Sports Committee, provided a brief overview of the team’s history. He highlighted the team’s proud heritage of nurturing players who have gone on to represent the national team – Leone Stars.

During the presentation of the current players to the IGP, Mr. Koroma revealed that among the players and coaching staff, only four are police officers. Notably, the current crop of players is contracted with the SLP for a two-season period.

The unveiling of the kits and the promise of a Mini-Bus not only marks a significant gesture of support from the IGP to bolster the Sierra Leone Police Male Football team but also signifies a concerted effort to address key challenges hindering the team’s progress in local football leagues.