All Eyes on C.C Bangura - Our very own No. 1.
- Amelie Boleyn
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Victorious in Mauritania: The Rise of the Sierra Queens at WAFU Women's Cup Marks A Turning Point for Women’s Sport in Sierra Leone
Today, we celebrate a significant milestone for women’s sports in West Africa, as the Sierra Queen's roared into a victorious finale at the STADE CHEIKHA BOIDYA in Mauritania at the WAFU Women’s Cup. The premiership women's national team triumphed over Senegal with a hard-fought 1-0 win . The win represents a critical moment for female-male parity in a region where equality of access to sport is often annotated by marked structural norms and poverty. ,
We take pride in our head coach, Cecelia “CC” Bangura, helping lead the national squad as one third of the Salone Queens goalkeeper trio, in victory against Senegal. CC has made substantial contributions not just on the field but also in advocating for girls' sports in Sierra Leone. Her journey into motherhood, having welcomed a baby just four months ago, showcases resilience, dedication, and the power of female role models.
An Inspiration for Girls
In many parts of the world, many young girls continue to encounter serious challenges in accessing sports, including poverty, cultural barriers, and unsafe settings. Only 10% of girls in rural areas have access to safe sports facilities. While The success of the Sierra Queens serves as a symbol of optimism inspiring these girls to achieve great things, Cecelia illustrates the impact of providing equal access to sports. Alongside our local staff at Girls in Sport, she has shown that investing in young girls can change lives. By having role models who are visible and inspiring, and providing a safe space in high-risk settings, girls have a platform to unlock pathways beyond poverty or restrictive norms associated with being a girl.
Breaking Barriers
The Sierra Queens' historic victory against Senegal underscores the potential of women's sports in regions where opportunities are scarce. In a country where girls face risks such as gender-based violence and early pregnancies, The Queens' success could suggest a shift. The Sierra Queens win in Maurtiania is not merely about adding a trophy; the victory can amplify the conversation about equality of access to sports.
We hope following the success at the WAFU Women's Cup, that more discussions about providing safe facilities for women's sport will gain traction. All eyes are on Sierra Leone now, and this moment could be a catalyst for lasting change in providing equal opportunites for girls.
The Power of Representation
Cecelia's story emphasises the importance of representation in sports. Her journey as a new mother, while serving as both head coach and a key player, is especially inspiring. It showcases how women can balance multiple roles successfully.
Her dedication to empowering young girls is fueled by her experiences. By presenting her as a leader, we send a message that women can excel as mothers, coaches, and athletes. Young girls need to see strong women in leadership to encourage them to pursue similar ambitions.
A Call to Action
Investing in girls is essential for ensuring equal opportunities.
Consider supporting us in reaching more girls by sponsoring a champion today.
Embracing a New Era for Women’s Sports
The Sierra Queens’ triumph is more than a well deserved win over Senegal; it is a powerful message for change. The potential for women's access to sports in Sierra Leone is becoming more tangible. Role models like our very own Cecelia Bangura show that access to provision of sport can help to enable turn dreams into reality.
