By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., the Charismatic and result-oriented Chairman of one of the oldest and renowned Football Clubs in SierraLeone, the East End Lions Football Club (EE Lions FC) was in an exhilarating and exuberant mood on the 8th February, 2024, when he publicly revealed that, “As promised two (2) years ago, I am excited that the shipment/container has arrived in SierraLeone with the required equipment and contractors to build a state-of-the-art pitch at the Trade Centre.” The passionate football promoter continued by expressing utter satisfaction when he furthered, “Today is the start of this journey and I am delighted to see this project finally come to fruition – many thanks to everyone – elders, players, fans, executives.”
Conspicuous at the site was a 40-ft container containing an artificial turf, floodlights and other assorted materials that were being offloaded as well as the contractors that will be working on the site.
It must be underscored that two years back when the Chairman of the East End Lions Football Club (EE Lions FC), Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., made that intention known some doubting Thomases thought it was just a mere bluff. However, knowing him as a man of his words, his love for football and his intense dedication to take EE Lions to higher heights, that promise has not only materialized into reality but will etch the Club’s name in a dignified way as one that took positive moves to build a state-of-the- art artificial football pitch at what is popularly known as the Lions Practicing Field also known as the Trade Centre Field in the East End of SierraLeone along the road leading to the Kissy Ferry Terminal.
The Chairman’s ultimate aim is to transform this playing field into a Mini Ultra Stadium which will also be utilized in the continuation of playing the club’s home matches.
Its materialization, which is certain, will assuage the yearning of East End Lions’ ubiquitous fans for a Local Football Club, that has emerged as Champions of the Sierra Leone Premier League ten times, to own a home ground.
In an exclusive engagement with this medium, Chairman Amb. Navo Jr. further revealed that as part of the new era, this year, he has started a full-scaled transformation of the Club, adding that since its establishment 95 years ago, the Club has represented SierraLeone in Africa’s Club Championships many times and has recorded lots of positive histories in the game.
He said, however, on the side of infrastructure, it is now that the Club is making headways, adding that this time, he is not only focus on infrastructure but entirely restructuring the Club under the new era.
Chairman Amb. Navo Jr. said: “As we speak, I have brought in 6 foreign players – 5 Ghanaian and 1 Nigerian, including a foreign Coach for the team. Our aim at the moment is not only to compete locally but to get our boys to play international friendlies in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco and other countries in Europe in the near future.
“The new era transformation and restructuring agenda will also see International Football Clubs being invited to come play the East End Lions in Sierra Leone on friendlies”.
Known as “The Killers”, the East End Lions Football Club was formed way back in 1928 and for a long time has maintained professionalism in football. In the history of Sierra Leone’s football its main rival has been the Mighty Blackpool and it has been very successful in raising the bar of football in the country.
The remarkable achievements made by the club so far could be attributed to committed Management teams although the club has faced certain challenges in the past, some which have shaken its very foundation and existence. However, the current crop of Executive or Management at the helm of the Club headed by its Chairman, Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., who is a go-getter the club is been steered in the right direction to the admiration of many.
A retired footballer, Abdul Akim Sesay fondly called Maradona, praised Chairman Navo’s commitment and strides towards the development of the game. He said if Sierra Leone could have more of the Chairman Anthony Navo’s, the country would be high in Global Development ranking.
Maradona said: “We have witnessed on several occasions Chairman Navo stating that the Trade Centre Pitch will be upgraded to a modern Pitch and will be made accessible to not only the Club but the community and the whole country. The commencement of the Pitch construction represents a significant step forward for the East End Lions Football Club in particular and Sierra Leone in general”.
As the required equipment and contractors to build a state-of-the-art pitch at the Trade Centre are now at hand, work has commenced that will usher in a significant transformation. It is expected that after the completion of the pitch it will be used not only by the Club but also by every Sierra Leonean, including residents within the East End of Freetown.
