Minister of Sports, Augusta Teima and the National Stadium Management have inspected the ongoing renovation work at the National Stadium, which is being carried out by Chinese contractors. Significant progress has been made, including the installation of a new artificial turf for the football practice field, a soil track, a new 1,500-seat aluminum alloy structure stand, two prefabricated toilets, renovated ball courts, new fences, and a retaining wall.
The refurbishment also includes the restoration, reinforcement, and redecoration of the stadium bowl, the pitch, and the pavilion. According to an earlier tweet by former Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, the renovation of Sierra Leone’s National Stadium is expected to be completed by 2024.
Funded by the Chinese Government, the 36,000-capacity stadium was built by Chinese contractors in 1979 and officially opened in 1980. It serves as the home ground for the Sierra Leone national team, Leone Stars, and several local premier league clubs, including East End Lions and Mighty Blackpool. The stadium last hosted an international match when the Leone Stars faced the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an AFCONQ match.
Local football fans are eagerly awaiting the completion of the stadium and hope it will be finished within the expected timeframe.
