April 5, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Abdulai Rogers of Sierra Leone (red) v Chamara Perera of Sri Lanka (blue
President of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA), Prince Sualley, has revealed that they were under intensive preparation for the Africa Championships in Marrakesh, Morocco from April 25 to 30, 2017.
According to Sualley, they were expected to take along over 6 wrestlers from both male and female, adding that the championship would form part of the preparation for the World Championship later this year.
The wrestling boss said for the first time they were considering moving the team to camp for a week before their departure to Marrakech, despite they were still seeking funds from both the government and the association’s well-wishers.
“I am hoping that the last week before our departure we move the wrestlers to camp because this year we want to get one of the best results in the continent,” Sualley said.
The SLWA boss, who is also the Treasurer of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE), said all that is required for the wrestlers to win laurels at major championships was to train well to be in proper shape and face the challenges.
Sierra Leone Wrestlers have enjoyed good outings in the African championship, with the duo of Abdulai Salam and Hajaratu Kanu grabbing three successive titles in the continental showpiece.
The pair has won medals in all their previous three outings at the African championship. In Marrakesh, Morocco, Salam won a bronze medal in the 74kg Greco Roman style, while Hajaratu secured bronze in the Olympic qualifiers.
Their last success came in Tunis with Hajaratu securing a silver medal in the 75kg female bout, whilst Salam fought in the 75kg Greco Roman style category and took the bronze medal. This year’s Championships would see wrestlers fight in Freestyle & Greco-Roman Wrestling.