Freetown – The Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, has reiterated the government’s determination to see the ongoing renovation of the Siaka Stevens Stadium through to completion.
Her assurance came during a recent inspection visit to the stadium, where she was joined by key officials from the Ministry of Works, the National Sports Authority, the National Olympic Committee, and the Sierra Leone Football Association.
During the tour, Minister James-Teima commended the Chinese construction firm, Ghanzou Company, for maintaining transparency and cooperation throughout the rehabilitation process.
She described the stadium as a “national treasure,” emphasizing the importance of restoring it to international standards.
“This is the only facility of its kind in Sierra Leone. Its completion is not just about sports, it’s about national pride,” the Minister said. “We are committed to keeping the public updated every step of the way.”
She stressed that the stadium’s completion is essential not only for hosting international matches but also for boosting the morale of the national team, Leone Stars, who currently play their home matches abroad due to the stadium’s condition.
“When our team plays away from home, they miss the passionate support of their fans. Bringing games back to Sierra Leone will not only energize our players but also stimulate local economic activities,” she noted.
One major obstacle to finalizing the project is the installation of new stadium seats, a requirement set by both CAF and FIFA. The bidding process for the installation is currently underway.
“Without proper seating, we cannot meet international standards. We’ve re-engaged with our Chinese partners to ensure they understand the urgency,” James-Teima stated, while also acknowledging the continued support of the Chinese government.
The Minister concluded on an optimistic note, assuring the public that the stadium will be completed soon and ready to host matches that meet global expectations.
