Credible sources say that 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.
Chairman Amb. Anthony Navo Jr., over the weekend, announced the arrival of a container filled with the required modern equipment, and the 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 promised 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!” Navo Jnr. excitedly exclaimed.
Speaking exclusively to the media, Chairman Amb. Navo Jr. said that in 2028, the East End Lions Football Club will be celebrating its 100 years’ anniversary, intimating 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-scale 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 history in the game.
He said, however, that on the side of infrastructure, it is now that the Club is making headway, adding that this time, he is not only focusing on infrastructure, but entirely in 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 and play the East End Lions in Sierra Leone on friendlies”.
Football fans, who spoke to this medium, at the offloading of the containers 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 that if Sierra Leone could have more of the likes of 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 construction of the Pitch 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 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 serves as a major boost for the Club, as fans were yearning for the 14th time Sierra Leonean 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.