Africell Powers Sierra Leone’s U18 Volleyball Team Toward Continental Glory
By Abdul Rahman Bah
In a powerful show of commitment to youth empowerment and sporting excellence, Africell Sierra Leone has once again stepped forward to support the nation’s Under-18 national beach volleyball team as they prepare to represent the country at the CAVB Zone 3 qualifiers in Abuja, Nigeria. This competition is a crucial gateway to the 2025 Continental Championship set to take place in Doha, Qatar.
At a spirited send-off ceremony held on Friday, 25 July 2025, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, the telecoms giant reaffirmed its longstanding support for Sierra Leone’s volleyball community. The event brought together officials, athletes, and stakeholders who share a unified vision of elevating the country’s profile in international sports.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
Abdul Karim Sesay, Africell’s Media Relations Manager, applauded the continued collaboration between the company and the Sierra Leone Volleyball Association (SLVA), emphasizing the strategic importance of investing in youth sports development. “Our support is not just financial; it’s about empowering dreams and enabling talent to shine on the continental stage,” Sesay said.
Africell’s Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, echoed this sentiment, highlighting over 15 years of consistent partnership with the volleyball community. He praised SLVA President Ahmad Kanu for his relentless commitment to the sport, which has earned Sierra Leone unprecedented recognition across Africa and beyond.
“Volleyball has brought more international medals to Sierra Leone than football or basketball,” Gerjawi noted. “It’s good to be known for something. Just like Indians are known for their prowess in long-distance running, Sierra Leoneans are building a reputation for excellence in volleyball.”
A Legacy of Achievement
SLVA President Ahmad Kanu used the platform to reflect on the remarkable milestones of Sierra Leone’s volleyball teams over the years. He cited past qualifications for prestigious events such as the World Championships in Poland and the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, as evidence of the country’s upward trajectory in the sport.
“We don’t go to tournaments just to participate. We go to win,” Kanu stated with conviction. He emphasized the resilience of the young athletes and underscored how Africell’s consistent backing has helped build both infrastructure like the Abyssal Beach Volleyball Arena and a winning mindset among players.
Kanu further explained that the Under-18 team embodies both talent and determination, and that their preparation reflects a clear goal: qualification for Doha and a chance to bring home more medals. He stressed that Africell’s involvement is more than sponsorship “It’s a partnership grounded in shared values and mutual belief in youth potential.”
The Road Ahead
As the U18 squad departs for Abuja, they carry with them more than uniforms and equipment they carry the hopes of a nation. With institutional backing, solid preparation, and the inspirational stories of past successes guiding them, these young athletes are set to compete not just as players, but as proud ambassadors of Sierra Leone. This latest chapter in the Africell-SLVA partnership signals more than a short-term campaign it represents a long-term vision for sports as a catalyst for national pride and youth empowerment. With eyes firmly set on the Continental Championship in 2025 and dreams that stretch into 2026 and beyond, Sierra Leone’s volleyball future looks brighter than ever.
