By Mackie M. Jalloh
On Sunday 19th June 2022, the Western Area Rural Sport Commentators Inter Community Competition, which has been usually organized by the Late Alpha Wandada of Culture Radio in the Grafton Community, has just concluded another exiting competition.
During the grand final between Grafton Community and Future Legend FC, who represented the Fourah Bay Community, at the Grafton Community playing field, which ended at full time goalless, and both teams had to go into penalty shootout, where the Legend FC emerged victorious with 5-4 against the host. The match was played in a very peaceful atmosphere.
It was never an easy match between these two sides, as both sides were very strong teams during the competition. Sixteen teams (16) started, but only two ended the competition and one emerged as winner.
Future Legend defeated Grafton Community 5-4 by a penalty shootout, in which 90 minutes was not enough for both sides to break the deadlock.
Grafton Community, with more experienced players than Future Legend, had so many chances, but failed to find the back of the net during the 90 minutes of play, as they were stopped by the determination from the young lads of the Future Legend team.
Captain for Future Legend, Sulaiman Bangura, was at his best, controlling his team, even when they were having constant pressure from the host, but with an early injury in the second half of the game, Sulaiman was substituted, which gave more advantage to Grafton community to attack and almost won within the last 10 minutes of the game, but the God sent goalkeeper for Future Legend, Sindeh, did the greatest save to keep Future Legend alive in the match.
Head Coach for Future Legend, Alusine Smart Smith (Coach Sexy), said that he was excited and that it was indeed a dream come true. He continued that this has been their first ever official grand final since forming the club more than 5 years ago.
Coach Sexy continued that after many competitions played, he has been able to nurture the boys from grassroot, taking them to the U14, U15 and non divisions as well. He furthered that it was really not an easy task, but gave praises to GOD for answering their prayers.
In his final statement, he thanked the fans, management and especially the team’s longest serving Chairlady, Mariatu Bangura Savage, who has been patient with them all this while, and also to all those who supported them to reach this far, and encouraged upcoming teams, players and coaches to put more effort on the game, so that they can all build a better team together to represent the Nation.
The event was climaxed by handing over of the trophy and cash prize to the winner.
