Yesterday evening (August 31, 2025), Burgess Park in South East London came joyfully alive as members of the Sierra Leonean community gathered for their highly anticipated Annual Community Football Finale. The event was graced by the Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, and the Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh.
In a riveting atmosphere of inspiring unity and strong community spirit, H.E. Dr. Manyeh performed the ceremonial kick-off, signaling the start of the final match at this popular sporting event. This year’s competition received significant backing from Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who served as one of the key sponsors.
The popular annual football event traces its origins to the late 1990s and early 2000s when local Sierra Leonean players in South East London began organizing casual matches at Peckham Park every Sunday. Over the years, this informal tradition evolved into a structured tournament that not only entertains but also fosters unity and discipline among Sierra Leonean diaspora in this sector of the UK.
According to John Mambu, one of the community stalwarts, the tournament started mostly with former Leone Stars players and has grown remarkably:
“Two years ago, Sierra Leoneans came together to form the Veterans team, made up of players in their late 30s and 40s. It’s about staying active and passing on values of discipline and focus to the younger generation,” Mambu explained.
The organizing committee boasts an impressive lineup of names from Sierra Leone’s football legacy, including Junior Parade as Head Coach, former Leone Stars captain Ibrahim Kargbo, former Republican player and anti-drug campaigner Abu Bakar Sillah, and Cherinoh Bah, who once played for Ports Authority and Leone Stars. These figures have played a crucial role in sustaining the tournament and inspiring young Sierra Leoneans to embrace sportsmanship and positive community values.
The event began with Christian prayers, led by respected community member Winston Webber, who formerly served as Team Manager for Real Republicans. Muslim prayers were led by Cherinoh Bah, formerly of Ports Authority and Leone Stars, underscoring the cultural and spiritual dimension that defined this gathering.
The climax of the finale was the awards presentations. Team Easmond emerged as champions, defeating Team Alusine on penalties to claim the main trophy. Both teams received cups, medals, and cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Best Player of the Tournament went to Sorie Kargbo, while Alieu Leeman Kamara won the Highest Goal Scorer award.
In addition to the players’ awards, key community figures were recognized for their contributions:
H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK, received a Certificate of Appreciation for his consistent and unwavering support.
Mr. Mohamed Kamara was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation as the initiator of the gala, and Mr. Osman Bangura received a Certificate of Recognition as a founding member of the Sporting Veterans Football Club.
Expressing his delight at the success of the event, Mr. Lambath Tryles, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Sporting Veterans Charity Football Club, praised the community efforts, describing the tournament as “instrumental in helping to keep youths focused and away from societal challenges such as knife crime and drug abuse”.
This year’s finale not only celebrated the positive power of football but also highlighted the importance of community cohesion and cultural pride within the Sierra Leonean diaspora in the UK. The presence of the High Commissioner and his Deputy underscored the Sierra Leone High Commission’s enduring commitment to promoting unity, and positive engagement with Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora. Their support serves as a reminder that sports remain a powerful tool for building connections, fostering peace, and strengthening national identity, both at home and abroad.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London