By Ibrahim K. Bangura (Tanko)

Sierra Leone’s popular inter community gala, COFA  has impacted thousands of football stars within the municipality of Freetown.

COFA league has been a home breeding ground for  starlet players in Sierra Leone and it is contributing to nation’s building. For grassroots soccer in the capital, COFA  is a household name in Sierra Leone.

However, on Wednesday 10th January, 2024, the Management of the Central One Football Association (COFA) has suspended the most anticipated fixture between KrooTown and KTR in the ongoing knockout stage.

The Wednesday’s match was not played at COFA Parade ground due to serious tension amongst the communities.

Interviewing senior members of COFA’s media unit, they said the sad development came due to recommendations of the security sector at the Central Police division, adding that that ugly situation meant a big loss for them and other businesses conducted around.

“[It] meant a big loss for us as football is a game of joy and happiness,” they said.

“We are highly dismayed with some of the supporters and followers of both teams.”

They added: “COFA has earned a noble and reputable recognition in Freetown and the tournament has produced great players who have made a marked progress across the globe,” they said.

Meanwhile, the management of Kroo Town United, has told Africa24 sport desk that their community are at peace and the team is prepared to embrace their opponent as football brings people together from all walks of life.

Sounding the views of some business women at Parade field, they said, the management of COFA must do the needful in a bid to ease the unprecedented situation, adding that the team must respect the rules and regulations of the game.

“We are disappointed with the mutual attitude of the two communities, the game must play, we often get more profits when turns out are high,” they said.