The InterVarsity Sports Competition has proved to be a thrilling experience for students and sports individuals alike. The event was created to foster the culture of competitiveness in different institutions, and also employ a technique to breed sporting prospects for the national stage.
However, the key highlight of the competition was the 2022 InterVarsity Football Championship. It was the bone of contention for participants representing various universities.
The final was played between the University Of Sierra Leone and Njala University. The SLFA Academy’s atmosphere was filled with supporters’ chants, the rumbling of drums, and offensive boos. It was also graced by high dignified personalities such as the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, key football stakeholders, and respective student union representatives.
Though the match was interrupted in sequence, the two teams battled it out in the goalless encounter, before heading for a penalty shootout. Eventually, Njala University became worthy and deserving victors. Their fans were ecstatic, as those who journeyed for miles from their provincial campuses to throw support, were not disappointed.
Nonetheless, many would agree that the University Of Sierra Leone (USL) was an outstanding favorite to win the competition. Considering the composition of colleges like the College Of Medicine and Health Sciences (COMAHS), The Institute Of Public Administration (IPAM), and Fourah Bay College (FBC), students from these institutions should have been at the fore in galvanizing adequate support for the USL team. The numbers were silent and plain. Many had expected a riveting fanfare with a dominant fanbase worthy of dictating the match tempo. Even Njala University had a more active supporters unit and this was seen throughout the match.
Though many blamed the student representatives for the poor publicization of the competition, students also meted out an unconcern attitude in being the source of motivation for players from USL. Come on! The fans weren’t even up to 200. Much was expected in the turnout. Some even proffered that they could have had a customized supporters jersey to compliment the hard work of the team.
Ultimately, with the InterVarsity Competition aspiring to be held every semester, the University Of Sierra Leone would upgrade its mojo and settle for lost times. On the other hand, Njala University has a feather to its hat and they couldn’t be prouder.