Credible sources say at the completion of the project to upgrade the East End Lions Football Club Pitch at Trade Centre to a state-of-the-art facility, it would be utilised not only by the Club but also every Sierra Leonean, including residents within the east end of Freetown.
It can be recalled that Chairman Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., over the weekend announced the arrival of a container filled with the required modern equipment and Contractors to build a state-of-the-art Football Pitch at the Trade Centre in the east end of Freetown.
He said the initiative marks a significant milestone for the Club, signalling the dawn of a new era, while emphasising the Club’s commitment to progress as materials and contractors have been mobilised for the construction of a cutting-edge pitch at the Trade Centre.
Chairman Navo Jr. said: “It’s a new era for East End Lions F.C as promise delivered! As premised 2 years ago, I am excited that the shipment/container has arrived in Sierra Leone with the required equipment and contractors to build a state-of-the-art pitch at the Trade Centre.
“Today is the start of this journey and I am delighted to see to this project finally come to fruition – many thanks to everyone – elders, players, fans, executives.
We look forward to seeing the final results! E.E Lions – The Killers”.
Speaking exclusively to AYV, Chairman Amb. Navo Jr. said in 2028, the East End Lions Football Club will be celebrating its 100 years centenary. He assured that ahead of the celebration, the construction project of the cutting-edge pitch at the Trade Centre must have been completed and ready for use.
Chairman Amb. Navo Jr. further revealed that as part of the new era, this year, he has started a full-scaled transformation in the Club, adding that since its establishment 95 years ago, the Club has represented Sierra Leone 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”.
Football fans who spoke to AYV during the offloading of the container filled with standard brand new equipment at the Pitch said Chairman Navo’s love for the country and not only football is unmatched at all levels.
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”.
Ahead of the Sierra Leone Premier League season 2022/2023, the Club secured the Technical Institute Training field ground commonly referred to as Trade Centre at Ferry Junction.
Chairman Navo Jr., back then promised that to transform the Pitch into an Ultra-Modern Stadium, a promise he has realised.
This mini stadium used to play the Club’s home matches and serve as a major boost for the Club as fans were yearning for the 14 times Sierra Leone Premier League champions to have their own home ground.
East End Lions is a professional football club in Sierra Leone based in the capital, Freetown. They play in Sierra Leone’s top soccer league, the Sierra Leone National Premier League.
The Club is one of the two largest and most successful football clubs (along with their main rivals, the Mighty Blackpool) in Sierra Leone’s football history. This Club was founded in 1928 and is one of the oldest football clubs in Sierra Leone.
