By: Hannah Farmah
The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone has on Wednesday March 26 played host to South African wrestling official, Charles Villet, following a courtesy visit to the headquarters in Freetown, as part of efforts to strengthen wrestling development in the country.
Villet is in Sierra Leone to facilitate a three-day Level One Referees Course organised by the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association under the final phase of the Development of National Sport System (DNSS) programme. The training, taking place at the OlympAfrica Centre in Goderich, runs from March 24 to 26, 2026.
Welcoming the expert, NOC-SLE Secretary General Ahmed Khanou commended Villet’s commitment to developing wrestling in Africa, particularly his drive to increase the number of qualified referees on the continent.
NOC-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley described Villet’s visit as a major boost for Sierra Leone wrestling, noting his global reputation and dedication to advancing the sport across Africa.
“He is among the best referees in the world and his vision for developing African officials is truly inspiring,” Sualley said, adding that the visit will have a lasting impact on the country’s wrestling landscape.
In his remarks, Villet expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to developing more referees across Africa.
“Africa is vast, and we need more referees from across the continent to be represented at world championships,” he said, promising continued support for capacity building.
Secretary General of Sierra Leone Wrestling Association, Bai Bangura, said the referees’ course marks the concluding stage of the DNSS initiative, which earlier saw coaching courses conducted in Makeni, Port Loko, Bo, and Kenema.
The referees’ training will conclude on Thursday, March 26, with the DNSS programme set to climax in a national wrestling championship scheduled for March 28–29. The Beach Wrestling event will take place at Milton Margai Beach on Saturday, followed by Mat Wrestling on Sunday at a venue to be confirmed.