The highly anticipated finale of the Ernest Bai Koroma (EBK) tournament is here and it will hold at the Wusum Mini Stadium on Wednesday, 25th December, 2024 with a colossal sum of Forty Thousand New Leones (NLe 40, 000) being set up for the winner and half that sum, Twenty Thousand New Leones (NLe 20, 000) for the Runner-up.
This year’s will mark the 15th Edition since the inception of the tourney wholly sponsored by the Right Honourable Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah.
A press conference to set the stage for this grande football rendezvous has already been held in Makeni City, on Friday, December, 20, 2024 with an assembly of, media, football administrators from all the participating teams from Bombali, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, Port Loko, and Kambia Districts and beyond, and a battery of local administrators including the Mayor of Makeni City, His Worship, Abu Bakarr Kamara (Lamtailes), supporters and football fans.
It was a forum to discuss the tournament’s progress and highlight the exciting developments ahead.
Mayor Abu Bakarr Kamara applauded the organizers for their tireless efforts in enduring that the tournament reaches its successful conclusion. He therefore pledged the continued support of the people of Makeni, while emphasizing on the importance of the tourney as a platform for the spotting of youthful talents, the promotion of peaceful co-existence and the development of the mind and of the communities from where the participating teams came from.
Honourable Mohamed Papa Bangura, a former Head of Media and Marketing for the EBK Tournament, undoubtedly, on behalf of the key sponsor, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah popularly known as Chericoco, presented the prestigious trophy, medals and other paraphernalia related to the grande football finale.
He also excitingly announced the cash prizes of a trophy plus NLe 40, 000 cash and NLe 20, 000 cash for the winner and runner-up respectively.
Head of Competition Milton Koroma expressed appreciation to all the teams that participated in this year’s competition with a special note on the display of sportsmanship competitive spirit by the various teams and their supporters pointing out that it was a testament of the commitment and determination of the organizers in ensuring fair play and discipline throughout the competition, and emphasized on the maintenance and sustainability of that legacy which he noted, has been the hallmark of the EBK Tournament for the past fifteen years. He assured of the continuation of the efficient organizational acumen of the organizers that has been anchored on collaboration and community support, and emphasized the consolidation of the collective spirit and ambition to maintain the high standards the tournament has been known and appreciated for over the last fifteen years.
Questions were raised concerning logistics and security, but the organizers assured that everything relating to the smooth kick-off and conclusion of the finale have been put in place and that giving their experiences over the years, they have left no stone unturned in ensuring a perfectly convivial conclusion.
The event demonstrated the power of football to bring communities together, celebrate local talent, and honor the contributions of those who support the sport at every level.
Meanwhile, a notable absentee this year, will be former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who is unable to attend due to commitments in Nigeria. Known for his iconic appearance at the finals donning his Arsenal jersey, cap, white trousers, and sneakers, Koroma traditionally hands over the decorated trophies, medals, and cash prizes to the winners, runners-up, and third-placed teams. His image, emblazoned on the trophies and medals, adds a personal touch to the awards.
The EBK Trophy not only fosters unity but also serves as a platform for nurturing football talent in Sierra Leone. As teams battle it out for the coveted prizes, the tournament inspires young players and provides an opportunity for scouts and football administrators to discover new talent