Sierra Queens Honored with Grand Welcome After WAFU Championship Victory
Sahid Bangura The Sierra Leone Female National Team, known as the Sierra Queens, returned home to a hero’s welcome on Saturday, June 7, following their historic victory at the 2025 WAFU A Women’s Tournament held in Mauritania.
Upon their arrival at the Guinea-Sierra Leone border, the team was greeted by a high-powered delegation led by Thomas Daddy Brima, President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).
He was joined by Vice Presidents Harold Nat-Johnson and Ali Badara Tarawallie, Eastern Region FA Chairman Prince Sa’Quee, SLFA Executive Officer Mohamed Jalloh, Acting General Secretary Mohamed Benson Bawoh, and Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima.
A parade of thousands of enthusiastic football fans escorted the team from the border to Freetown, filling the streets with national colors, songs, and cheers. The celebration culminated at Siaka Stevens Stadium, where a grand welcome ceremony was held to honor the Queens’ remarkable achievement.
The event featured vibrant performances by the Sierra Leone National Sports Supporters Union dance troupe, setting a festive tone for the day.
At the stadium, the crowd included several high-ranking government and sports officials, such as Deputy Minister of Sports Kai Laurence Bayo, Executive Director of Sports Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, and Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdulrahaman Swarray, along with Sierra Leone National Teams Ambassadors Christian Dauda.
In a series of speeches, football authorities and government representatives expressed their gratitude and admiration for the Sierra Queens’ outstanding performance. They called for increased investment and support for women’s football in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent at all levels.
The Sierra Queens not only secured the championship trophy but also brought home several individual accolades. The team earned four Woman of the Match awards, with star goalkeeper Hannah Juna claiming three.
Juna was also recognized as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper and Best Player. The fourth Woman of the Match award was awarded to Salamatu Kamara for her performance in the final against Senegal.
In her heartfelt remarks, Madam Haja Ramatulai Kamara, Leader of Delegation, expressed deep appreciation for the players and the technical staff, led by Coach Hassan Malik Mansaray. She praised their championship mindset, discipline, and professionalism, which contributed to the nation’s historic triumph.
Congratulatios, I wish you many more success, and good professional contacts