FIFA officials have praised the efforts of the East End Lions Football Club in Sierra Leone, particularly under the leadership of Chairman Anthony Navo Jr.
During a recent visit, FIFA Regional Development Manager Madam Fatou Kamara and FIFA Technical Consultant Mr. Issaka Adamou expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the club’s playing field at Trade Centre, located in the eastern part of Freetown.
Their visit highlighted substantial progress in transforming what was once a dusty, undeveloped area into a professional football pitch. Madam Kamara noted, “I am highly impressed by the remarkable transformation of the East End Lions Football Pitch. It is now a lush green surface that meets modern football standards.”
In addition to the pitch, the construction plans include a solid perimeter fence for security and future installations of dressing rooms and spectator stands. According to Kamara, these improvements represent a significant step in football development in Sierra Leone, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the sport.
Chairman Navo spoke about the significance of this project as a new chapter for the Club, emphasizing that it will not only benefit the East End Lions but will also serve the local community and every Sierra Leonean. Football fans and former players have expressed their support for Navo’s initiatives, highlighting his dedication to the sport and the country.
Retired footballer Abdul Akim Sesay, known as Maradona, praised Navo’s vision for the upgrade. He remarked that if more leaders like Navo existed, Sierra Leone would see substantial growth in various sectors.
The East End Lions, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most successful football clubs, was founded in 1928. With the ongoing developments, the Club is poised to enhance its impact on both local football and the community it serves. The upgrades to the pitch are seen as a vital step toward progress in Sierra Leone’s football landscape.