By: Reginald Brian Ojukutu Sawyerr
The Sierra Leone Golf Association on September 1st,2029 informed group of media personalities that they are confident of a strong performance as the country prepares to participate in the upcoming R&A Zone 2 and Zone 3 African Championship in Accra, Ghana.
The assurance was made during a media engagement at the Freetown Golf Club, Lumley Beach Road, where officials and members of the national team outlined their preparations ahead of the continental championship.
Coach Mohamed Kargbo says the team is heading to Ghana with confidence, pointing to Sierra Leone’s previous participation in golf competitions across the continent. The national team has been undergoing preparations for several months, with the players selected about six months ago and subsequently placed under an intensive training programme ahead of the tournament
According to Kargbo, Sierra Leone has competed in tournaments in Abidjan, Nigeria, The Gambia, Senegal and Ghana, where the country has consistently demonstrated its ability to compete at a high level.
He believes the experience gained from those competitions will be important as the team looks to make an impact in Accra.
“We have been meeting several times in tournaments around Africa, and we have been taking good part and scoring well. There is no way we can go there and not make our way out. We are used to playing good golf there,” Kargbo said.
The coach added that he selected the current squad six months ago and has been working with the players since then to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the championship.
He expressed confidence that the players can deliver a result that will make Sierra Leoneans proud.
Vice President of the Sierra Leone Golf Association, Daniel D. Bangura, also expressed confidence in the team, saying both the players and technical team have adopted a professional approach to their preparations.
Bangura said the tournament is particularly significant because it represents an important opportunity for Sierra Leone to participate in the R&A competition after previous registration challenges.
He explained that delays had prevented the country from registering on time in the past, but said the current leadership of the association, under President Ibrahim Tito Sankoh, worked to ensure that all the necessary requirements were fulfilled.
“This time around, the President made it possible for us to meet all the requirements. So this is our first time taking part in this particular tournament,” Bangura said.
He acknowledged that Sierra Leone will face strong opposition in Ghana but insisted that the team is capable of giving its competitors a tough challenge.
Bangura said the tournament is also about developing the players’ mentality, confidence and experience while ensuring that Sierra Leone continues to establish itself as a competitive golfing nation.
Despite the optimism surrounding the team, the Sierra Leone Golf Association says financial constraints remain one of its biggest challenges.
Bangura disclosed that the association continues to face difficulties with funding, transportation and sporting equipment.
He said the association has been reaching out to individuals and organisations for support, while lamenting the misconception that golf automatically comes with significant financial resources.
“People think that when they hear golf, there is money involved. But there is no money. Even government support is limited, and we are trying very hard to get assistance,” he explained.
The association had initially been expected to host the championship in Sierra Leone. However, according to Bangura, the country currently lacks the required facilities and environment to host the competition.
As a result, President Ibrahim Tito Sankoh decided that Accra, Ghana, would be a more suitable venue for the championship.
The association is also working to secure suitable transportation for the delegation.
He explained that travelling by air would allow the players to arrive safely, rest properly and prepare adequately before the competition begins.
“We are fighting very hard for the team to leave with flights so that the players will reach safely and have enough rest to perform well in the competition,” Bangura said.
Captain of the Sierra Leone Golf Professionals, Moses Saio, said the players remain focused and determined to represent the country with pride.
Saio stressed the importance of preparation and confidence, saying the team has adopted a professional mentality ahead of the tournament.
He said Sierra Leone’s players are accustomed to competing against strong opposition and will approach the championship with the belief that they can make an impact.
The captain also emphasised that while winning remains an important objective, the team is equally focused on gaining valuable experience and strengthening the mentality of Sierra Leonean golfers on the international stage.
With months of preparation behind them, the Sierra Leone Golf Association now hopes the team’s hard work will translate into a strong showing in Ghana.
The team will look to combine its experience, preparation, and confidence to compete strongly against some of Africa’s leading golfers.
