Kent Cricket Club Women's team Captain, Ann-Marie Kamara and Vice-Captain, Fatu Pessima have been selected in the Sierra Leone women's national team for the North West Africa Cricket Council (NWACC) Women's tournament to be held in Accra, Ghana from 19-23 January 2018.
Both players are product of the Kent junior section and the two were part of the team that won the inaugural NWACC Women's tourney in Banjul, the Gambia in 2015. Ann-Marie and Fatu makes their way into the squad after showcasing tremendous performances in the series of warm-up matches played prior to the final shortlist.
Following the announcement, Chief Executive Officer, Kent Cricket Club Sierra Leone, Emmanuel Pessima, congratulated the girls for making the team. He added, “It's exciting to see them grow and become ambassadors of Sierra Leone. This shows what can be achieved at Kent Cricket Club if more support is given to us”. The KCC CEO further expressed thanks to the Sierra Leone Cricket Association for their commitment in supporting girl’s and women’s cricket in the country. Emmanuel said: “We wish Ann-Marie, Fatu and the rest of the team every success during the tournament and hope their representation inspires and encourages more girls and women in Sierra Leone, to play the game".
The Kent Cricket Club Women's Captain, Ann-Marie Kamara said their selection does not come as a surprise as they’ve been so attentive in training to attain their objective of making the squad. She admitted: “We’ve spent long time preparing for this tournament and we will be going out there to do our country proud. I’m pleased to make the team. Cricket is my game and I’m always willing to represent my country with commitment and passion".
Fatu Pessima who happens to be the youngest player in the squad said she feels honoured to represent her country, noting it is a dream comes true. “I am looking forward to get a fine competition in Ghana and take some wickets and score more runs if the opportunity is given to me”, said the excited young lady.
Commenting on the selection of the two players, Sierra Leone Cricket Association, Chairman, Beresford Bournse Coker said: "Ann-Marie Kamara has always been a fine all-rounder and an intelligent cricketer whilst Fatu Pessima is a talented young upcoming cricketer”. “The future of Fatu is bright as she will one day lead the next generation of female cricketers. With this selection I am sure the team will finish top of the round robin competition to win and defend the title"
Sierra Leone Women's National Team Captain, Linda Bull an all-rounder will lead the side for the first time since she was appointed as captain. She said. “I am optimistic that we will win the trophy and bring it back home for the second time in a row".
Sierra Leone will go into this tournament as defending champions and the team is expected to arrive in Accra, Ghana on the 18th and depart on the 24th of January 2018. Participating teams are Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gambia and Cameroon.
Sierra Leone women's Cricket team full squad: Linda Bull (Captain), Ann-Marie Kamara, Zainab Kamara, Adama Kamara, Janet Kowa, Aminata Kamara, Festina Max-Bangura, Mabinty King, Ramatu Kassim, Isatu Koroma, Fatu Pessima, Sunkarie Koroma, Marie Turay and Mabinty Sankoh.