November 24, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jnr
A civic funeral will be held for former executive member of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Alhaji Unisa Alim ‘Awoko’ Sesay, who was also former chairman of Western Area Football Association.
The legendary football administrator, who passed-away in Freetown at the upscale Choitram Hospital on Tuesday after battling a long illness, will be laid to rest on Friday, 25th November 25 at the Kissy Road Cemetery, east Freetown.
According to the late man’s brother, Pa. Alie Sesay, the remains of the veteran football administrator will be laid at the All People’s Congress (APC) party office before being transferred to the Miatta Conference hall were the civic funeral ceremony will be held.
He further revealed that the mortal remains of the late Awoko will then be taken to the Basharia mosque for prayers before being taken to his final destination at the Kissy Road cemetery.
Meanwhile, members of the sports family have been paying tribute to deceased. The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) in their condolence message stated that news of Awoko’s death came as a shock to the football family.
“SWASAL express our condolences to the bereaved family and the entire football fraternity. We pray that Allah forgive him for the sins he committed and grant him eternal rest,” the message reads.
Deputy Minister of Sports, Ismael Al-Sankoh Conteh said: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of the Late Alhaji Unisa Alim Sesay, the memories of the late icon will never die, a very friendly character, a true patriot and an iconic sports administrator.”
The deputy minister described the late Awoko as a dedicated and passionate community activist. Former sports journalist and current Press attaché at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Brussels, Chernor Ojuko Sesay, posted on his official Facebook thus: “Awoko holds the enviable record as the longest serving football Secretary-General in the history of Sierra Leone.”
Sesay noted that Awoko served East End Lions, one of the two biggest and most successful football clubs in the country, dedicatedly for 21 years before resigning and founding the Anti-Drugs Football Club.
He said Awoko was a key figure in the election of every Sierra Leone Football Association President, ranging from Benji Davies, Alhaji Saramadi Kabba, Justice Tolla-Thompson, Nahim Khadi and Isha Johansen.
Until his death, Awoko was chairman of the SLFA membership association who are operating an opposing association and league to the FIFA-recognised Isha Johansen-led administration.