By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
Email: ibangura071@gmail.com
Since 1974 when the Siaka Stevens Stadium, now National Stadium in Freetown was established for sporting activates under the Ministry of Sports (MoS), the condition of the stadium is highly appalling at the moment.
Major repairs have been done but, soccer fans, sports journalists are facing constrains with regards the disorderly status of the stands and press gallery over the years.
The key objectives of the National Stadium is to aid the 49 sporting disciplines in the country, which has been exposed to unwanted activities i.e. musical theatres, religious programmes, political campaign, party-political events etc.
At present, the Stadium is banned by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) due to its deplorable situation, past and present stadium administrators have proven incapable to upgrade the status of the ground; promises have been made, but to no avail.
However, plan of opportunities tendered on traditional and social mediums regarding the renovation process by the incumbent management when they assumed office, even deadlines were given to evict illegal occupants that are staying at the hostels in order to vacate, the question many sport fans are asking is, is the management incompetent to complete the renovation of the stadium.
The complex is making money during and after festive seasons; despite the intervention of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that should not be an excuse for development in order to meet international level.
Nonetheless, the arena (carpet) looks like a community field because 95% of the Western Area premier league clubs are without standard football pitches especially Might Blackpool, Old Edwardians, FC Kallon, East End Lions, RSLAF FC, FC. Johansen and others during their home matches over the years.
While Telecommunications companies are using the stadium to promote and market their products in the name of partnership, yet it has yielded no growth in the interest of Sierra Leoneans.