By Josephine Sesay

Ali Hijazi, the President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF), recently visited Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown to assess the ongoing renovations of the stadium’s basketball court. Accompanied by Executive Secretary General Ishmail Bangura, Technical Director Jamal Hudruge, and a representative from the National Sports Authority (NSA), Hijazi toured the site to evaluate the progress of the refurbishment.

During the visit, Hijazi expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work completed thus far. He commended the team for ensuring that the court’s markings and rim heights meet the required FIBA standards. “The progress so far is impressive, and I am happy to see that the facility is shaping up according to plan,” Hijazi said. He emphasized that completing the renovation on schedule is vital, as it will provide a significant boost to the sport of basketball in Sierra Leone.

The president also highlighted the importance of the court’s renovation ahead of the planned launch of the national basketball league later this year. He stressed that better facilities would not only enhance the player experience but also attract more fans to the sport, creating a stronger basketball culture in the country.

Hijazi expressed his gratitude to the National Sports Authority for their continued support of the project and the development of basketball in Sierra Leone. “The collaboration between the SLBF and the NSA has been crucial in ensuring that we can bring these improvements to life. We look forward to the completion of this project and the positive impact it will have on the growth of basketball in Sierra Leone,” he said.

As the renovations continue, there is growing optimism that the upgraded basketball court will become a key venue for local and international competitions, helping to further elevate the standard of basketball in the country.