Sierra Leone’s Female Cricket national Team has made an impressive account in the 2023 National cricket Federation (NCF) tournament in Nigeria at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos.
The Female patriots as they are fondly called had a difficult start against Nigeria in their opening encounter, but were brave enough to register a third place triumph, as well as the second biggest win from any national cricket representative side.
The defeated Cameroon by five wickets in first match before the reverse match to grab the third place trophy against Cameroon in the Women’s Cricket Tournament in Nigeria.
The ladies exhibited Great Spirit as they did against Ghana to earn the all-important five wickets against Cameroon. Cameroon made some 81 runs despite the loss of nine wickets in twenty overs, reaching a significant milestone in the tourney.
According to the Head Coach of the Senior Female Patriots, Kenneth Masinga, the outing in Nigeria was an opportunity to expose the newly recruited players in the team and they approached the tournament with the ultimate target of winning the giant trophy with the wherewithal to succeed. He also vowed to support the team in reaching the aspirations of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association.
On his part, the Chairman of SLCA, Francis Trevor Samura, applauded the team for the satisfactory display in Nigeria and noting that they visibly demonstrated class and passion all throughout the tournament and that the achievement is not only for the team but for the country as a whole.
The Female patriots are currently ranked thirty eight in the World and ninth in Africa, and the recent feat in Nigeria would likely improve their ranking.
Janet Sowa was awarded as the woman of the match due to her exceptional bowling qualities, and according to Bockaire Allieu, member of the SLCA Media, Janet has been one of the finest bowlers in the Female National Team and it was no surprise for her to bag such recognition. Alice Fillie and Celina Bull were equally earmarked for their outstanding performances in the competition.
The female Patriots of Sierra Leone have raised the bars so high in terms of representation and it is hoped that they would replicate same for the forthcoming International Cricket Council women’s T20 In both South Africa and Botswana in September this year.
Comments