Chief Minister Sengeh Celebrates Football Boom as Thousands Pack Southern Arena
Aaron Parker Chief Minister David Sengeh has highlighted the growing economic, social and sporting impact of football in Sierra Leone following the opening match of the new Premier League season at the Southern Arena in Bo.
Sengeh said he joined more than 6,000 fans at the Southern Arena to watch Bo Rangers secure a last-minute victory over East End Lions in the Unity Cup, describing the match as a demonstration of the growing significance of football to communities across the country.
According to the Chief Minister, the real winners from the match extended beyond the two teams, pointing to President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, football administrators, club owners and supporters as key beneficiaries of the renewed attention and investment in the sport.
He credited President Bio with restarting the Premier League, investing in local football and expanding sporting infrastructure, while expressing confidence that the National Stadium project would also be completed.
Sengeh said the growth of football has created employment opportunities and supported businesses that depend on match-day activities, noting that thousands of people now have jobs while hundreds of businesses are benefiting from the game.
He also commended the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Executive and club owners for their continued investment in the sport. He specifically praised SLFA President Babadi Kamara for what he described as systematic transformation of football at both national and local levels.
The Chief Minister noted that members of the SLFA Executive and several club owners were present at the Southern Arena as the new Premier League season got underway with the Unity Cup.
He further highlighted East End Lions Executive Chairman Ambassador Anthony Junior Navo’s unveiling of a new player signed from the Egyptian Premier League, citing the move as an example of growing investment by local entrepreneurs in players, coaching, marketing and football-related services.
Sengeh also acknowledged Dr P.K. Muana for his contribution to improving the integrity of refereeing in the local game.
Beyond the sporting contest, the Chief Minister said the match demonstrated football’s ability to bring people together.
He said he interacted with fans in the stands during half-time and observed families, young boys and girls, people living with disabilities, directors and artists enjoying the occasion together.
According to Sengeh, the atmosphere at the Southern Arena demonstrated how football can serve as a platform for community building, social interaction and peaceful expression.
He thanked the Southern Arena for providing what he described as a safe space for expression, creativity and peace, while emphasizing the unifying role of football in Sierra Leone.