‘Football is not a killer, but it can kill AIDS’ -Alimu Bah

By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)

The Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Football Association has invited HIV/AIDS authorities in the country to use the good will of local football as a weapon against the dreadful disease.

“Football is not a killer, but let us use it to kill HIV/AIDS in the country,” said Bah, who was speaking yesterday at a press briefing on Manchester United Supported HIV and AIDS Campaign in Sierra Leone at the national football academy conference room, Kingtom.

Bah, who’s been chief administrator at SLFA for almost 13 years now, said local football and footballers at all levels could play a crucial role in the cause against HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone. He said HIV/AIDS officials could do good to sensitize youths on the disease but the impact local football stars could make could be far reaching and long lasting.

Regarding Manchester United FC’s collaboration with HIV/AIDS partners in Sierra Leone, Bah said the Barclay’s Premiership club have sowed a seed, which we in Sierra Leone must nurture to its fullest. He said the Manchester United fan base in Sierra Leone is perhaps the largest, and the club’s players are regarded as idols by Sierra Leonean football lovers.

“We must take advantage of this golden opportunity and protect our future generation,” said Bah.