By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has commended the Chairman of East End Lions Football Club, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., for his remarkable efforts in transforming the club’s playing field at the Trade Centre in Freetown into a modern sports facility.
During a surprise on-the-spot visit to the site over the weekend, Dr. Abdulai praised the scale and quality of the transformation. “I visited the East End Lions playing field, which has been completely transformed into a modern sports facility by Amb. Junior Navo. I am pleased to have witnessed this unannounced unveiling of a renaissance mind. This is truly massive, especially for communities like this. Thank you, Putin!” he remarked, using Navo’s nickname fondly adopted by his supporters.
Under Ambassador Navo’s leadership, East End Lions Football Club has taken a giant leap forward with the redevelopment of the Trade Centre Field. Once a poorly developed and underutilized pitch, the area has now been turned into a high-standard facility with artificial turf, bringing it in line with modern footballing standards.
The project, long promised by Navo upon his election as club chairman, reflects his commitment to reviving the club’s infrastructure and restoring its legacy as one of Sierra Leone’s most successful football clubs. The installation of the artificial turf not only improves the quality of the playing surface but also ensures durability and year-round usability.
Beyond the pitch itself, the broader transformation of the field includes improved accessibility and aesthetics, making it not just a playing ground but a symbol of progress for the East End community. These developments are expected to positively impact the club’s performance and morale, while also enhancing the match-day experience for fans.
The unveiling of a new 52-seater bus for East End Lions is another major highlight of the Chairman’s development plan. The addition of the team bus strengthens the club’s logistics and is a practical solution for away matches, easing transport burdens on players and officials.
Ambassador Navo’s vision has been supported by a coalition of prominent partners and sponsors, including Africell Sierra Leone, Gento Group, BM Kodami, and the AYV Media Empire. These contributions have been vital to the successful completion of the project and reflect strong confidence in the club’s future direction under Navo’s leadership.
FIFA officials who have visited the site have also expressed satisfaction with the progress and standard of the field, noting its potential to host high-profile local and regional matches. Their endorsement places East End Lions and the new facility on a promising path for international recognition.
For fans, players, and community members, the transformation of the Trade Centre Field is more than a structural upgrade—it is a sign of hope and renewed ambition. East End Lions FC now boasts one of the finest training grounds in the country, underscoring the club’s commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch.
With the season underway, all eyes are now on how this infrastructural leap will translate into performance and results. One thing is clear: under the stewardship of Anthony Navo Jr., East End Lions is setting a bold example for club development in Sierra Leonean football.
