By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, two of the most result-oriented companies operating within the country, KADAT Foods & Beverages in partnership with KADCO SL Limited have on Wednesday 13th November, 2024 donated two sets of team jerseys, including tracksuits to the Sierra Leone National Senior Cricket Men’s Team (Men’s Patriots) ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Africa Sub-Regional C Qualifier scheduled for 21-29 November, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking during a Press Conference held at the headquarters of KADAT in Grafton, the General Manager of the KADAT, Oliver BM Somasa, welcomed all, including the team and its officials, members of the Fourth Estate and representatives of the Grafton community.
He informed all present that the company has facilitated the rolling out of a series of development projects to support the Grafton Community mentioning those of offering residents with fresh and pure drinking water for free, positioning of water tanks at strategic locations for residents to fetch water, support given to the resurfacing of the football field for youth recreational activities among others.
He highlighted that the company is not only operating with the sole aim of maximizing profits but to ensure that community development programmes are supported.
Oliver Somasa, who served as Chairman of the program, continued that the company has at this material moment decided to support the Sierra Leone Cricket Association for the second time with sets of team jerseys which he said will not be the last support but that they will continue to support the Sierra Leone Cricket Association.
He assured the attendees that their backing would not waver. “We are genuinely investing in this country and with investment comes a sense of responsibility,” he pointed out. “We are deeply committed to our corporate social responsibility. This sponsorship is a vital part of that pledge,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of their role in the community.
He concluded by stating that the support marks the second time in just three years that KADAT has stepped up to assist the CSL Senior Men’s team, following their contributions during the Nigeria Bilateral Series and the Kigali ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in 2021.
On his part, Arman Darwani, the Acting CEO of KADAT, passionately conveyed his company’s unwavering commitment to promoting cricket in the region. “I love cricket. For us, cricket is more than a sport; it’s a religion,” he stated, radiating enthusiasm.
He wished the Senior Men’s Patriots the best of luck as they prepare for their competition in Abuja, also expressing a keen desire to extend similar support to the women’s team in the future.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association, Francis Trevor Samura, the Chairman of the Cricket Sierra Leone Board, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous support. He noted that this contribution would significantly ease their financial challenges.
“The kits are of exceptional quality,” he remarked with genuine appreciation. “I want to extend my thanks to KADAT for this timely support and for being there when we truly need it.”
The event culminated in the official handing over of the jerseys by Acting CEO Arman Darwani to Chairman Francis Trevor Samura. This symbolic gesture reinforced KADAT’s role as a steadfast supporter of Sierra Leone’s cricket endeavors, fostering optimism as the Men’s Patriots prepare to compete on the international stage in Abuja.
