After the epic win by the Sierra Leone Men’s Beach Volleyball squad over the highly ranked and regarded South African team, African Sports Monthly made a telephone call to the Minister of Sports; Mr. Ahmed Khanou to congratulate him and the team and the nation of Sierra Leone for the momentous achievement and conducted an interview therein to get a feel for where Sierra Leone is currently and where it might be heading in terms of its sporting goals for the future:
ASM: Minister Khanou, Sierra Leone just achieved a momentous milestone in its sporting history, what factors outside of the talents and hard work of the athletes themselves do you attribute this victory to?
Minister Khanou: Sports Management requires a 360-degree management approach. At the National Federation the activities are centered around a common agenda
And that is to ‘keep the ball flying’ and 'getting someone involved’.
Everybody is important, partners, media, ball retrievers. Whoever the association comes in contact with has a stake and therefore well cared for whether during an event or after wards.
The National Federation management is therefore a TEAM of like minds and a common goal. And the guys do what they do with a passion that second to no other in Sierra Leone.
ASM: After serving in the capacity as Sports Minister for about a year and a half now, what can you say are the biggest challenges in the sports business in Sierra Leone?
Minister Khanou: Firstly, there are few who understand the philosophy and ideals of Sport either as a practice or a sector.
Minister Khanou showing support to Team Salone