The long-awaited revival of Sierra Leone’s basketball scene begins on March 7th, 2025 as the first-ever AfriMoney National Basketball League tips off at Victoria Park. 

The league, launched by the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF) on March 5th at the National Sports Authority headquarters is sponsored by Afrimoney who aim to breathe new life into the sport after years of dormancy.

Basketball enthusiasts can expect a thrilling start to the season, with two exciting matches lined up for the opening night. At 6:30 PM, the Kennedy Nets will face off against Freetown Jazz in what promises to be a fast-paced showdown. Later, at 8:30 PM, the Archibald Red Flames will battle Dock Canon, with both teams eager to make a strong statement in the league’s inaugural game week.

Bringing The Game Back to Life

In an exclusive interview with Born 2 Blog, SLBF President Ali Hijazi shared the inspiration behind bringing the league back to life.

“I am a basketball player and also a coach. When I contested for the presidency, thankfully, I won. I felt the need to bring back the league. As a basketball lover, I don’t see people play the game that much, and we also need a proper league because there are talented players and committed coaches. This influenced us to start the league. We tried hard to get sponsors, and fortunately, AfriMoney came on board to support us,” he stated.

He further highlighted the challenges of launching the league, emphasizing the significant financial responsibilities required to rebuild the sport.

“There are plenty of expenditures because it’s not easy to start from zero, but thank God for where we are,” he added.

The AfriMoney National Basketball League is expected to set the foundation for a stronger basketball culture in Sierra Leone, providing players with a competitive platform while re-engaging fans with the sport. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the teams and players who will shape the future of basketball in the country.

With the opening night set to deliver intense action, basketball lovers in Sierra Leone finally have a league to rally behind—a long-overdue moment in the nation’s sporting history.