Freetown | 21st March 2021 | Vertex Media
Last night at a Cocktail Dinner occasioned at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown, members of the Football fraternity in Sierra Leone celebrated and honoured the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association Madam Isha Johansen on her election as FIFA Executive Council member. It was a colourful and glamorous event graced by Football fans, veterans, members of SLFA, stakeholders and the wider public to celebrate Madam Johansen’s and Sierra Leone’s success in world football, as she becomes the first Sierra Leonean to reach this far in global Football administration.
The General Secretary of the SLFA Christopher Kamara highlighted the several roles the SLFA boss is playing at CAF and FIFA, and further explained how her current FIFA roles will benefit Sierra Leone Football. Noting that – “Sierra Leone has a lot to benefit from Isha’s position at FIFA.”
The Deputy Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA) Dr. Abdul Rahman Swaray congratulated Madam Johansen for her incredible achievement, while he further explained how he persuaded the her to run for the SLFA Presidency years ago. “It took me time to persuade Madam Johansen to contest for the SLFA Presidency. I am very much proud to be part of this historyโฆI want to congratulate you Madam Johansen for this achievement.”
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports Hon. Alu Conteh also joined well-wishers in congratulating the SLFA President for being elected as a FIFA Council member.
“Today we are here to celebrate Madam Isha JohansenโฆGod has catapulted her to another level. I know Madam Isha Johansen, she has a heart for Sierra Leoneโฆ she is a daughter of this land,” he stated.
“On behalf of Parliament, we want to congratulate you. You will grow from height to height. You’ll one day become CAF President.”
Making her statement, Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown City, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer expressed joy of seeing women taking the lead in administration. Most importantly, she explained she explained that Madam Johansen started her leadership role in school (St. Joseph Secondary School). “Isha was my senior prefect when we were in school. Her journey demonstrates that anything is possible.”
“Isha is bringing more value to FIFA,” noted Mayor Aki-Sawyer.
The former Minister of Sports Ahmed Khanou also joined other speakers in congratulating Madam Isha Johansen, adding that “โฆ that is mo mean achievement.”
During her keynote address, the celebrant, the SLFA President and newly elected FIFA Council member, Madam Isha Johansen extends gratitude to everyone who has played a role in her journey. From family members, members of the football family, Tarner Legal Firm and others for their tremendous support over the years.
“I want to thank God and my parents for their support to reach this height.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the football family for their support so far.”
The SLFA Boss also calls for unity among the Football family. “We have to come together. You don’t have to like Isha Johansen. But please embrace what we bring to the table. Respect and support what we are bringing to the table.”
“We have to respect leaders. We have to comply. The game has changed,” she added.
As she was concluding, she reminded all that Sierra Leone will only benefit from her position at FIFA we come together and allow peace to prevail. “Am calling for ‘peace’. Let’s lay our weapons and develop the country’s football.”
“This win is for Sierra Leone.” ~SLFA President, Isha Johansen
At the climax of the event, Madam Isha Johansen informed the audience of the visit of the newly elected CAF President Patrice Motsepe to Sierra Leone anytime soon.
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