By: alusinerheme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone is preparing to roll out the red carpet for its newest national heroes—the Sierra Queens—after the women’s national football team made history by clinching the 2025 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) A’ Zone Women’s Cup.
In a thrilling final on Saturday, May 31, the Queens edged out regional giants Senegal 1-0 in Mauritania to bring home Sierra Leone’s first-ever continental football trophy.
Their triumphant return is set for Saturday, June 7, with a grand homecoming celebration in the works. According to Lamin Tarawalie, Media and Marketing Officer of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), the team will depart Mauritania on Friday, June 6, transiting through Conakry, Guinea, before arriving at the Pamlap border. From there, the victory parade begins.
“The Government, through the Ministry of Sports (MoS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA), has confirmed a float parade from Pamlap all the way to Freetown,” Tarawalie told Awoko Newspaper. “This will be a national celebration of a historic achievement.”
While final logistics are still being ironed out, anticipation is building across the country. Streets are expected to be lined with jubilant fans, eager to catch a glimpse of the champions whose grit and determination have rewritten the narrative of Sierra Leonean football.
The Queens’ journey to glory included decisive wins over Guinea (3-1), Mali (1-0), and a second triumph over Senegal (1-0) in the final, after drawing 1-1 with them earlier in the group stage. Their only stumble came in a 3-0 group-stage loss to The Gambia, which they overcame with remarkable resilience.
The team’s performance has not only galvanized the nation but captured the imagination of football fans across the region. For many, the Sierra Queens have become a symbol of progress and potential in women’s sports.
Despite the fanfare, questions remain about player and official payments. Tarawalie confirmed that the SLFA will issue a traditional one-off lump sum to players and staff but clarified that per-match allowances fall under the purview of the NSA and the Ministry of Sports.
“As always, the SLFA will provide a lump sum, while the government handles match-specific payments,” he said.
When contacted, NSA Head of Media, Eric Batilo Fomba, confirmed plans for a “warm and fitting reception” but declined to share details of the full itinerary or timelines for allowances. He assured Awoko that the matter is being followed up.
In the wake of this historic win, voices are growing louder for the government and the SLFA to honour the equal pay policy introduced in 2020 for national male and female teams. Advocates say this moment offers a powerful opportunity to turn policy into practice.
As the Sierra Queens return as continental champions, they carry not just a trophy, but a legacy. A legacy of resilience, unity, and the boundless potential of women in sport. Their victory is more than a title—it’s a turning point. ARW/6/6/2025
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