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In readiness to sweep victory at the Botswana ICC Africa Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier slated for September 7-20 in Gaborone, the female side of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA), led by its substantive Chairman Francis Trevor Samura, paid farewell visit on the Ministry of Sports today at the Minister’s Bishop House office, National Stadium.
The visiting contingent comprised a cross section of the Board and Management of SLCA including SLCA Cricket Desk Officer at the National Sport Authority, the designated female coach and the ladies’ team.
Introducing the squad and purpose of the visit, Chairman Samura told officials of the Ministry of Sport that they have huge financial burden on their shoulders. “I have been to the NSA several times to expedite process doing with the approval of the budget since we are going through a dire financial situation ranging from air ticket, accommodation, players’ and officials’ allowances, food to transportation. All these will cost the Association a very huge sum. We need Government funding for the women’s team and the men’s team going to Rwanda in October. It will prove difficult if we cannot get help from Government,” he explained, revealing that the players have high expectation with regards to their allowances.
Welcoming the team, the Executive Director of NSA, Dr. Kenneth Brima, said since he assumed office, Cricket has done well. “With that, I will always give Cricket my support at the NSA especially when it comes to the ladies’ side. That is why when the document for the ladies’ team came to my desk, I had to push for their support amid prying financial constraints. Even though you have not received a dime yet, you are still prepared to go and represent the country. This shows how serious your association is. And this is equally sending a clear message to us that we also have to fight in your absence to make your money available by the time you arrive home. The Government is ready to support all enviable sporting disciplines,” he surmised.
Captain for the Female Cricket National side, Linda Bull, told government officials present at the meeting that they are going to the tournament to represent the country and not one individual. “We are going there to raise the national flag. Your being constrained on the financial front due to tight budget with regards Leone Stars Afcon entry should not hinder our effort since we too are representing the country in a big foreign stage. We are national players too, so we hope you will take that into consideration,” she said.
On the competitive side, she remarked that they have been to Botswana before, ending the tournament as runners-up. “We are now going there for the champion trophy. We are not coming back empty handed,” she assured the gathering.
Meanwhile, a contingent of 20-man, comprising fourteen players and six officials, will depart the shores of Sierra Leone on Monday 6th September, 2021 for a two-week outing in Botswana.
