By Mohamed Juma Jalloh
Fatima Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, an indigene of Kono District, has officially unveiled both the supporters and team jersey for the indomitable defending champions of the Sierra Leone Premier League, Diamond Stars, at the Atlantic Hall, Brookfield’s in Freetown.
She noted that the greatest news, after the election, was to see football play in the country. Fatima Bio noted that, the launching of the jersey was a great privilege for her as an indigene of Kono.
Kono, she continued, has contributed so much to the development of the country.
The First Lady stated that she is proud to be a ‘Konomusu,’ noting that her commitment to the club will be endless. She assured all that she will do everything in her power to ensure that Diamond Starts retains the championship of the Sierra Leone Premier League.
Team Manager for Diamond Stars, Adams Tommy, called on Kono people to throw their support behind the club, noting that Diamond Stars is looking for huge support to be able to sponsor the club through the Premier League.
Manager Adams disclosed that the team has prepared a Strategic Plan, which is the blueprint for the management of the team, and that it has been distributed to potential stakeholders hailing from the district for potential support.
Pavifort Construction Company, he went on, has expressed interest in sponsoring the club.
He assured all that the club would institute proper accountability mechanisms in the management of finances received from well-wishers and supporters.
Diamond Stars, he continued, has gone through a lot, such as having parallel executives, which, he noted, was caused by political interference.
BBC stringer, Umaru Fofana, who also hails from Kono, noted that Diamond Stars is the only provincial team to have won the Sierra Leone Premier League two consecutive times and that they are looking forward to win another treble in the coming season.
Mr. Fofanah noted that bringing football back would take away violence from the minds of the youth and create job opportunities for them.
The climax of the occasion was the pronouncement of pledges by various personalities and well-wishers from both within and outside the district. So far the pledges received amounted to over a hundred million leones.
The event is also expected to be replicated at the home District of Diamond Stars.