HON. PESSIMA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE FEMALE FOOTBALL IN NORTHWEST REGION

By: Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah- Public Trust Media Sierra Leone

Honorable Rachael Mariatu Sesay Pessima has reaffirmed her commitment to the growth and development of female football in Sierra Leone’s Northwest Region during the official opening ceremony of the first Female Division Playoff. The highly anticipated fixture, which took place on Thursday, 28th May 2026, featured an exciting encounter between Future Queens of Port Loko and Bamoi Queens of Kambia. The event attracted football enthusiasts, sports administrators, community leaders, and other stakeholders who gathered to witness a significant milestone in the advancement of women's football in the region.

Serving as the Northwest Region’s Ambassador for Female Football, Chairperson of the Sierra Leone Female Premier League Board, and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, Hon. Pessima used the occasion to emphasize the importance of investing in women and girls through sports. She noted that female football has become a powerful platform for empowering young women, promoting discipline, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. According to her, the continued development of women's football is essential for building a stronger and more inclusive sporting future for Sierra Leone.

In her address, Hon. Pessima expressed profound gratitude to the leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association, particularly President Babadi Kamara, as well as the management of the Northwest Region for the confidence reposed in her and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country's football development agenda. She commended the collective efforts being made to create a conducive environment for female footballers to thrive and pledged her continued support toward initiatives that promote talent development and competitive excellence among young female athletes.

The ceremony was graced by several notable football stakeholders, including Mr. Abdul Osman Turay, Chairman of the SLFA Northwest Region, and Mayor Alie Badara Tarawallie, SLFA Vice President I, among others. Their presence underscored the growing commitment of football authorities and local leaders to advancing the women's game. Hon. Pessima acknowledged the valuable contributions of all stakeholders and encouraged greater collaboration to ensure that female football continues to flourish across the region and beyond.

On a personal note, Hon. Pessima paid heartfelt tribute to her husband, Mr. Desmond Pessima, for his steadfast support and encouragement throughout her leadership journey and development initiatives. She concluded her remarks with a message of hope and service, stating, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve my people, and I am indebted to doing more when circumstances necessitate. Let us continue to work together and inspire the growth of our younger generation.” Honorable Pessima’s statement was met with admiration and applause, further reinforcing her reputation as a passionate advocate for sports development and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.