Renovation works at Sierra Leone’s National Stadium is expected to be completed next year, 2024. This is according to a recent tweet made by the Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi.

“The project is expected to be completed by next year,” the Deputy Information Minister said.

Sandi and the Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh toured the renovation site today, September 19.

“I accompanied the Honourable Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on a conducted tour of the ongoing refurbishment of the National Stadium,” Sandi said.

The renovation of Sierra Leone’s only state-owned international stadium is being funded by the Chinese Government.

Sandi said the project is a grant worth 40 million US Dollars.

“The ongoing refurbishment includes the restoration, reinforcement and redecoration of the stadium bowl, the pitch, practice field with artificial turf and pavilion,” He said.

The Deputy Minister said the stadium’s swimming pool, athletics track, hostel, Tennis, Basketball and Volleyball courts are also part of the renovation.

During the tour, Vice President Jalloh said he was satisfied with the progress of the project while appreciating construction workers.

The 36,000 capacity stadium was built by Chinese contractors in 1979 but was officially opened in 1980. The stadium has been serving as the home ground for the Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars and several other local premier league clubs including East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool.

The stadium last hosted an international match when Leone Stars hosted the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an AFCONQ match.

Local football-loving fans are feeling nostalgic and soon hope the stadium is completed by the stipulated timeframe.