Aminata Fullah: The Beacon of Hope for Sierra Leone Refereeing
For the first time in 23 years, Sierra Leone celebrates a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of refereeing. Aminata Fullah, a rising star from Magburaka, has been appointed as the central referee for the FIFA U17 Girls World Cup qualifier between Cameroon and Egypt. Her appointment, alongside compatriot Humu Marrah as fourth official, marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone and an inspiring moment for the nation’s football community.
The last time Sierra Leone had a referee officiate a FIFA match was in 2001, when Alhaji Sanusi Rashid, now Chairman of the Sierra Leone Referee Organization officiated a FIFA U20 World Cup qualifier between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. This long-awaited return to the global stage is a testament to the steady growth of refereeing in Sierra Leone under the visionary leadership of Thomas Daddy Brima and the Executive Committee of SLFA.
Through the guidance of the Sierra Leone Referee Organization and the astute referee committee, the foundation has been laid for referees to thrive. Aminata Fullah’s achievement is a shining example of the strides we are making, showcasing that with the right investment, training, and opportunities, Sierra Leonean referees can compete at the highest level.
Aminata’s journey is a story of excellence and determination. Her standout performances in the recently concluded WAFU ZONE-A U17 AFCON qualifiers were nothing short of remarkable, reflecting her poise, professionalism, and technical acumen. She has proven herself to be levels above, earning her place on the international stage.
We, however, acknowledge that refereeing remains a challenge in our game. While this achievement is a source of pride, it also serves as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. In addition to the competitions currently been played which gives referees opportunities to practice regularly, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to improve refereeing standards, including enhancing both theoretical and practical training and providing technical aids such as beeping flags and communication gadgets in the near future. These advancements are essential as we continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of the game.
We extend our congratulations to the North East Region Football Association, the regional referee union, the districts of Bombali, Referee Bah for constantly looking over them and Magburaka for producing such exceptional talent. It is noteworthy that this region is now home to two FIFA badge referees, an extraordinary feat for provincial football in Sierra Leone.
Aminata Fullah is more than a referee; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration for the next generation. Her success proves that with hard work and dedication, Sierra Leonean referees can achieve greatness.
As Aminata steps onto the field for this historic match, she carries with her the pride and aspirations of an entire nation. We celebrate her achievement and look forward to the many doors her success will open for Sierra Leone refereeing.
Congratulations, Aminata. You are a true trailblazer and a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone’s refereeing community.