Youth Football Tournament Launches in Freetown

The African International Youth Tournament organised by FC Johansen is here for the second time. At a well attended press conference in Freetown that signals the official launch of the African International Youth Tournament which is going to take place from the 27th of November 4th December at the National Stadium. FC Johansen owner and CEO, Isha Johansen called on the press to support the AIY Tournament saying they need to help send out the message to all. Director of Sports, Bai Kabia said they will always give sports the support it needed in Sierra Leone. He said the venture by FC Johansen in organising such a tourney should be lauded and given all the morale booster it deserves, “Liberia came last year and won the tourney, so this year should be a difference – we must ensure we support FC Johansen for victory all the way.”  (Photo:  Nahim Khadi, SLFA President)

President for Sierra Leone football Association (SLFA) Nahim Khadi told journalists he is over-impressed for a woman in Sierra Leone to organise such an international tournament two times in a row. “It is an achievement of which we should all be supportive of and we must do all in our power to ensure this is a success,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Abdul R Dumbuya stressed that everybody from the press to football stakeholders must feel obligated to render their support to FC Johansen in order for the second tournament to be a success, “We must ask ourselves must what we do to help Sierra Leonean stars and Sierra Leone football grow?”

A very candid assessment from the chairman of the Western Union Football Association, (WAFA) Unisa Alim Sesay saw him indicting his own WAFA and the SLFA for failing to do what Isha Johansen is doing now. “Isha Johansen has succeeded where we have failed and that is a credit especially on the back of a repeat of the tournament which shows consistency on her part. We are the stakeholders that should be organising these youth tourneys, but shamefully we cannot do that and she is doing that now for us,” he confessed. The WAFA chairman pledged their unreserved support to the AIYT tournament.

Newly appointed chairperson of the National Youth Commission, Umar Farouk Sesay stated that there is nothing that adds value to the spirits of the youths like sport. Therefore, he said such a tournament will go a long way in enhancing the confidence of youths and also help the work of his commission become easier.

AIYT Organising committee member, Nicky Spencer-Coker called on the media to help them send out the message and promote the tournament which is going to involve a host of international teams from as far as Europe.

Responding to the concerns of the press, Isha Johansen assured them that despite the lack of sponsorship this year – they will not relent in making the programme a success. Reacting to question from Bai Bai of Free Radio on the name of the tournament which has been dedicated to the late Issa Koroma, aka Madam, Isha Johansen wept in a very emotional mood and said whenever she remembers the late player of FC Johansen who died in a fatal road accident she feels saddened. She however managed to respond saying that they choose to name the tournament Madam instead of the boy’s full name because everywhere the late player went he was called Madame even by members of his own family.

About The Africa International Youth Football Tournament

1. The first Annual AIYT was held in December 2009 at the National Stadium.
2. The objective is to have an annual International Youth Football Tournament, thereby making it a fixture in the calendar of international events for the youth in Sierra Leone.
3. The AIYT serves as FC Johansen’s contribution to the re-branding of Sierra Leone. Bringing cultures and teams from all over the world annually to compete as well as to show case the brighter and more positive side of Sierra Leone.
4. The AIYT works with the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as t the Ministry of Tourism for through these two ministries, it is possible to showcase both youthful talents as well as opening up our country and its beauty to the world.
5. It is hoped that in the absence of a major sponsor’s for both FC Johansen and the AIYT, proceeds from the tournament will go towards the construction of the FC Johansen Football Academy in which will be situated in Waterloo.
6. Last year Cruzeiros of Brazil, Bodoglimt of Norway, Liberty Professionals of Ghana, Pepsi Academy of Nigeria, BYC of Liberia, and the Guinea U-17 together with Sierra Leones U-17 and the hosts, FC Johansen competed in the tournament.
7. BYC of Liberia emerged the champions, Liberty Professionals; of Ghana were Silver medallists whilst FC Johansen took the bronze medal.
8. This year the organizers of the AIYT have raised the stakes a few notches up by hosting an U-20 tournament. From the 27th of November 4th December at the National Stadium.
9. The U-20 will it is anticipated, attract more international scouts, and the quality and competitiveness of the competition will be more exciting and challenging.
10. BYC of Liberia will return as defending champions with a stronger much older team, OJOKO FC of Nigeria, DIAMBARS Academic of Senegal (owned by football star Patrick Viera) will also be participating, as well as The Gambian National U-20 and the South Africa National U-20 Sierra Leone and FC Johansen’s first Division side will be lining up for next months tournament. The reserves and the youth side of a number of UK premiership clubs have been approached and it expected that before the end of the month there will be confirmation as to which club from the United Kingdom will be sending it youths players for the tournament.
11. The trophy this year will be named after the irreplaceable FC Johansen striker who died in January of this year in a tragic car accident whilst on his way to training. Issa Koroma commonly known as ‘MADAM’ was an exceptional player and a special player to club owner Isha Johansen.

“Madams Trophy will be a living legacy to all young footballers around the world of the boy legend we once had in our midst in Sierra Leone. Whoever wins the trophy will take his name to their country and to their club so that he will be remembered and honoured in countries far and wide just like we honour and remember him everyday in our cub and country.” Isha Johansen.

AWARD

1.            Player of the tournament

2.            Highest goal scorer

3.            Goalkeeper of the tournament

4.            Best Defender

5.            Best fair play team

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