Cricket Sierra Leone (CSL) has commenced the second phase of the FBC Cricket Project to make the dream of moving from dusty ovals with stony outfield to turfed grounds a reality.
The second phase, described as the official beginning of the Earth Works of the Project, is estimated to last for 31 days and will witness the massive cutting , levelling, and compacting of the ground covering a total area of 300m in length x 400m in width, which will accommodate two grounds, with drive and walkways, indoor and outdoor training facilities, swimming pool , parking lots and hostels.
Phase two will also include the resurveying of the land due to an increase in the size to be followed by topographic surveying and levels-profile.
Phase one, which occurred three months ago, saw a bulldozer clearing shrubs and felling trees to claim the dedicated site.
Already, the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Uyi Akpata has expressed commitment to boost Sierra Leone’s FBC Cricket Project by sponsoring an expert curator to construct two standard pitches.
President Akpata will cover the costs of air tickets (to and from Lagos) and salary for the curator whilst Cricket Sierra Leone will take care of food and accommodation.
The help has come through the tireless push of CSL Board Chairman Francis Trevor Samura, who is grim to deliver the FBC Project.
The expert will also be tasked to train local curators. This home-based team will look after the facility when it is completed.
The United Arab Emirate Cricket Federation has also made a commitment to help with equipment such as bowling machines for the cricket lab, playing kits, and other forms of assistance.
Uganda and other nations have expressed willingness to share their success stories with Sierra Leone on how they were able to reach the World Cup.
The FBC Project will mark the start of CSL’s preparation to host the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier 2026.
It has been 19 years since Sierra Leone last hosted an international competition.
When it is completed, the facility will be utilized to host domestic cricket competitions. Students at FBC will have the opportunity to be playing Cricket at departmental and Campus levels, and Sierra Leone will attract foreign tourists with cricket at the center of their varied interests.
