By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Africell Sierra Leone, in partnership with NBA Africa, has convened more than 350 pupils from primary and junior secondary schools for a two-day junior basketball clinic aimed at developing foundational skills and confidence among young athletes in Freetown.
The clinic, held from Thursday 16 to Friday 17 April 2026 at the National Stadium Basketball Court in Brookfields, introduced participants to basic techniques including dribbling, passing, shooting and teamwork through structured drills led by experienced coaches, with sessions carefully designed to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for beginners.
Speaking at the event, Kamanda Koroma, Marketing and Communications Manager at Africell Sierra Leone, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth development through sports, noting that Africell continues to invest in platforms that nurture talent across various disciplines, with a growing emphasis on sports as a tool for empowerment. He described basketball as one of the fastest-growing sports globally and stated that the partnership with NBA Africa is intended to support long-term development rather than short-term engagement, emphasizing that sport plays a broader role beyond physical activity by serving as a channel for mentorship and personal growth among young people.
Kamanda Koroma further disclosed that Africell has recently partnered with the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation to promote the sport locally adding that the company plans to strengthen collaboration with NBA Africa in order to expand opportunities for youth participation in basketball across the country.
A representative of NBA Africa, Madam Belicent, described the clinic as a milestone, marking the first collaboration between the organization and Africell in Sierra Leone. She noted that the partnership aligns with shared values centered on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and community engagement, adding that NBA Africa remains committed to supporting grassroots basketball development across the continent.
Also addressing participants, Ali Hijazi, President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, underscored the importance of sustained investment in youth sports, describing the clinic as a significant step in strengthening the country’s basketball development pipeline. He commended both Africell Sierra Leone and NBA Africa for their contribution and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure consistent opportunities for young athletes, while encouraging participants to apply the skills acquired during the training sessions.
The two-day programme forms part of Africell’s broader efforts to promote basketball development in Sierra Leone by equipping young players with essential skills while fostering discipline, teamwork and confidence.
