By Jida Kiz- Kamara

In a significant turnaround, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has successfully appealed the disqualification of its under-17 football team. This victory comes after a determined effort led by Mohamed Benson, the Acting General Secretary, and with support from his boss, they engaged WAFU A Zonal Organising Committee in a series of emails.

The decision to reinstate the team followed the retesting of five players, of whom two met the required thresholds and were subsequently reinstated to compete. Speaking from Ethiopia, where he is attending the CAF 46th General Assembly, Mohamed Benson expressed his commitment to fighting for Sierra Leonean football. “Gone are the days when Sierra Leone will be treated as novices in the game,” he stated. “As someone who is well-versed in the rules of football, I will challenge any incorrect decision—not just with words, but through my actions as the Acting General Secretary.”

Benson emphasized the importance of having the young athletes back in the competition, declaring, “Now that the boys are back, we are ready to show Africa that Sierra Leone is a force to be reckoned with.” He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Sierra Leonean public for their ongoing trust in the Football Association.

As the youth team prepares to showcase their talent on the continental stage, this appeal victory represents a renewed hope for football in Sierra Leone.