A spirited group of women from Masongbo Community has issued a powerful call for change, urging their peers across Bombali District and beyond to “break stereotypes and embrace local football as active supporters.”
The appeal came at Makeni’s Wusum Stadium during the 2026 Inter‑Area Football Tournament match-day eight clash between Masongbo and Wallah Communities, which ended in a 1‑1 draw. Speaking on behalf of the group, Jariana Barrie described the experience as both entertaining and inspiring.
“We have been watching international football on television, but today we had the opportunity to watch our own people play live. It is an experience we will always cherish,” she said. Barrie, who also identified herself as a devoted Arsenal fan, explained that seeing her relatives represent Masongbo on the pitch broadened her appreciation of the game beyond televised matches.
The Masongbo Ladies firmly rejected the notion that football is a male‑only sport or that women who attend matches are idle. “Those who think football is only for men should stop thinking that way. Women who watch football are not idlers, they are key supporters and players in the development of the game,” they emphasised.
Their presence at the Wusum Stadium is considered not just symbolic, but vital to strengthening community participation and nurturing grassroots football. The ladies from Masongbo Community also appealed to other women hesitant about attending matches to join in supporting local competitions.
The recent move by a cross-section of women from the Masongbo Community showcases the growing importance of female spectators in Sierra Leone’s football culture, signaling a shift toward inclusivity and community‑driven support for the sport.
