By Alpha Barrie

The President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF), Ali Hijazi, on Wednesday, July 23 2025, officially presented the FIBA U16 Zone II AfroBasketball Qualifiers Championship trophy to the National Olympic Committee/ Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/ CGA-SLE) at its Walpole Street office.

In his brief statement during the presentation in a programme chaired by the NOC.CGA-SLE’s Secretary General Ahmed Khanou, Alie Hijazi echoed on the challenges the team faced on their road to victory — including difficulties with MRI testing, funding constraints, and logistical issues.

He said they believe in the current U-16 team which is the reason they are undertaking the venture to ensure they represent Sierra Leone in the FIBA U16 Afrobasket Championship, scheduled for September this year in Rwanda.

Hijazi hailed the NOC/ CGA’s President for giving him confidence, courage, and not only showing concerns, but also giving him the supports in whatever venture he undertake towards the development of basketball.

“Going to Rwanda is a big responsibility, a lot of things involve but we would make it possible to represent the country in that championship. I want to President Sualley confidence he has been giving me, the courage, the motivation and the supports. I also want to extend our deepest thanks to Africell for their unwavering support throughout the campaign.”

In response, President Sualley lavished praises on the current leadership of the SLBF for their passion, courage and dedication towards the development of the sports, reiterating the NOC’s confidence in the future of basketball in Sierra Leone.

“I am not surprise because to see basketball going in the right direction because of its current leadership. I am very proud of this current executive, they have the passion, the time and they are really dedicated towards the development of basketball. I am very happy because if basketball succeeds it will reflect in my administration so I will always give you the necessary supports that we can afford to give you,” Sualley affirmed.

The Sierra Leone U16 national team is now set to participate in the prestigious FIBA U16 Afrobasket Championship, scheduled for September this year in Rwanda.

The tournament, which will unfold from September 2-14, will feature 12 teams —both boys and girls— from accross the continent. The top two teams will automatically qualify for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cups in 2026.