By Barrie Alpha
The Sierra Leone Teqball Federation has completed the first series of the 2021 Challenge Cup, which took place at the Siaka Stevens Stadium from 13th to 14th March 2021. The event attracted 47 Teqers from the four regions of Sierra Leone, including from Kenema, Kailahun, Port Loko City, Bo, Masiaka, Calaba Town and Brookfields in Freetown.
The team leader of Teqball Sierra Leone, Unisa Deen Kargbo, and the deputy team leader, Alie Nyelenkeh, were at the stadium to receive the Teqers. Both men addressed the Teqers on the need to remain focused and put maximum focus towards the tournament. Unisa Deen Kargbo emphasised that the success of the first edition will tell the world that Teqball is growing in Sierra Leone.
The Teqers were then divided into four groups and four tables were used for the preliminaries up to the quarter finals.
In the semi-finals slots, there was brilliant exposure of skills and understanding of the game. The referees, headed by Alhaji Kamara, were exceptional. They did well to the admiration of the public.
The Kenema and Kailahun Teqers bravely fought their ways to the semi-finals alongside Port Loko, Calaba Town and Brooksfields, but Koya Teqers from Masiaka qualified in all categories.
On the final day, on 14th March, there was a procession ceremony of all the participants before the final matches. When business was called to order the atmosphere was completely different.
In the singles, Ibrahim Kamara of Stadium Teq defeated Abdulai Bangura of Koya Teq by two straight sets. It was 12 – 4, 12 – 9.
In the doubles, Alie Sesay and Christian Lavalie of Koya Teq defeated Gibrilla Kamara and Daniel Sandy of Brookfields Teq by two sets to one. It was 12 – 8, 4 – 12, 16 – 14. This was a very tight encounter.
In the mixed doubles, Kabba Fofanah and Kadiatu G. Kamara of Calaba Teq defeated Ibrahim Sorie Koroma and Hawanatu A. Kamara of Koya Teq by two sets to one. It was 10 – 12, 12 – 5, 12 – 4.
Koya started well by winning the first set but faded away in the remaining ones. Many on lookers commended the Teqball Federation of Sierra Leone for what they referred as best organisation.
In his address to the participants, the president of Taekwondo Federation of Sierra Leone, Oness Abayomi Johnson who represented the National Olympic Committee assured the Teqers of the protection of the NOC. He said NOC will continue to encourage the Sierra Leone Teqers until Teqball becomes an Olympics Sports. The Secretary General of the Swimming Federation of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Turay, also praised the event.
At the closing ceremony, the Teqball flag was handed over to the representative of Masiaka Town, which will be the next host for the second series on 27th and 28th March. Trophies, medals and other prizes were handed over to the winning teams.
A renowned broadcast sports journalist, Alexander Thullah (African Teacher), described the quality organisation of first Teqball challenge as a surprised package to the country, bearing in mind that the game was only introduced in Sierra Leone in less than two years.