SPORTS Sierra Stars of Texas Takes Consolation Trophy in Dallas League Posted by Sanpha Sesay on Jun 4, 2008, 01:19

The Runners Up Sierra Stars of Texas...gearing up for the Sierra Leone Tornament in August

Just two weeks after Sierra Stars emerged as the North Dallas Third Division League champions in Texas, the Liberian soccer team has denied Sierra Stars from repeating the same feat in their encounter for the Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) International African Unity cup. The final match between the Sierra Leone soccer team, Sierra Stars, and the Liberian team was played at the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) grounds.  The event was a multinational function that attracted thirteen African countries represented in Texas.  Liberia defeated Sierra Leone by two goals to nil in a regulation time of 90 minutes.**

Former Leone Stars Goalie Patrick Dangalie now Team Manager of Sierra Stars

The match was played in a high humidity temperature of about 87 degrees forcing players to consume liquid at regular interval for re-hydration. The circumstance of the loss was logically clear as Team Manager, Patrick Dangawallie, disclosed that key players of his team did not feature in the match because of injuries. And in their determination to play final with a rival team, the Liberians were smart to reinforce their team with players from across the states.

During the match session, fans from both countries, Sierra Leone and Liberia, hoisted their flags on the standing and sitting decks, while the Eritherians provided music and cultural show before and during interval. Despite minor complaint from the Team Manager, Patrick Dangawallie, for the loss at the hands of rival Liberian team, fans returned home with an honorable praise for the team.  Alhaji Sesay, a former Diamond Stars player and his wife Vicky, mindfully characterized the performance of the Stars as the best match they have ever played and lost. Alhaji and wife both supporting Manchester United and Chelsea in the United Kingdom, respectively, shrewdly observed that Sierra Stars is in its high peak of performance standard.  They commended Coach Mohamed Jalloh for tactical improvement.

On the same day after the soccer finale, other programs scheduled as part of the Africa Unity festivities were unveiled, including the taste of Africa food festival and the presentation of trophies and awards. Hundreds of Africans stormed the Southern Methodist University (SMU) auditorium to share their cultural heritage values among the African and American communities.  The festivity provided an opportunity for many Americans to taste different types of food consumed by the Africans.

DFW International has its focus on embodying the cultural and economic vibrancy of global community.  In the first year of its festivity, thirteen countries participated in the African Unity Cup soccer tournament, and 26 countries from across Africa in the United States participated in the cultural festival.

The leader of the Embrey Family Foundation, Lauren Embrey who sponsored the entire occasion said it was in her accumulated attraction and interest to enhance the DFW international in a bid to build mutual understanding and respect for verse international cultural communities.  She said Africa is a great continent with diverse cultural heritage that need the support of the Embrey foundation.

Africa and the African community in the United States have now been in the priority list of sponsor in her foundation, she said.   

Responding in an interview, TM said that it was his planned idea to invite Lauren Embrey of the Embrey Foundation and the Mayor of Dallas on their Grand National soccer tournament to be held on August 2 this year.  These two people, he said, would be of considerable worth as patrons for the occasion. The Sierra Leone Ambassador to the US would like to meet with important dignitaries like Lauren and the Mayor of Dallas, he concluded.