Southern Arena (Sierra Leone)

Project overview

  • Client: Babadi Kamara, entrepreneur and owner of Bo Rangers FC.
  • Location: Southern Arena, Bo, Sierra Leone.
  • Completion date: July 2023.
  • Scope: A “turnkey stadium” project, encompassing the entire construction of a 6,000-capacity, FIFA and CAF-standard football arena.
  • Partners: Integral Spor and Reform Sports.

2. The challenge

Building a modern, international-standard stadium in Bo, Sierra Leone, presented a set of specific challenges:

  • Logistical constraints: As a landlocked city, Bo requires carefully coordinated transportation of construction materials and specialized equipment to ensure timely delivery and installation.
  • Material sourcing and quality: The project required high-quality, durable materials that met FIFA and CAF standards. Ensuring all aspects—from the artificial turf to the steel framework—met these international requirements was a complex task.
  • Integrated construction: The client required a complete solution, from foundational infrastructure to the finishing touches, including living spaces, lighting, and spectator facilities. This mandated seamless integration of all stages of work.
  • Compliance with international standards: The final structure had to pass rigorous inspections by football’s governing bodies to be certified for international matches.

3. The solution: Our expertise in action

Our team, in collaboration with our partners, delivered a high-performance solution that addressed these challenges head-on.

  • End-to-end project management: As part of a turnkey solution, we streamlined the process from initial groundwork to final delivery. Our professional assembly team executed the steel construction, tribune seating, and lighting installation with precision.
  • High-durability material selection: The stadium was built with robust, hot-dip galvanized steel to ensure maximum durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. High-quality, corrosion-resistant materials were used throughout.
  • International standard turf: The playing surface features FIFA-standard Super V artificial grass, providing a safe, high-performance surface for players.
  • Advanced lighting and technology: The installation of high-powered LED floodlights and a modern scoreboard ensured the stadium was equipped for night matches and international broadcasts.
  • Efficient infrastructure development: We handled critical infrastructure works, including grounds, electrical, and other foundational preparations necessary for a professional-grade facility.

4. Results and impact

The successful completion of the Southern Arena transformed the sporting landscape in Sierra Leone, with lasting benefits for the client and the community.

  • CAF approval: The stadium gained approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), enabling it to host international matches and regional tournaments.
  • Enhanced spectator experience: The 6,000-capacity stadium provides a modern, safe, and comfortable venue for fans to support their teams.
  • Community development: The arena serves as a major hub for football in Bo, promoting new football talent and providing a top-tier facility for the national team.
  • Client satisfaction: Our turnkey approach and professional execution resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that exceeded the client’s expectations and has been widely celebrated.

5. Technical specifications

  • Project type: Turnkey stadium construction
  • Capacity: 6,000 seats
  • Structure: Hot-dip galvanized steel construction
  • Pitch: FIFA-standard Super V artificial turf
  • Lighting: High-powered LED floodlights for night play
  • Included services: Infrastructure preparation, steel assembly, seating installation, engineering, and installation of a scoreboard and perimeter advertising system.

6. Testimonial

“I did this as my own token of support towards the development of football in Sierra Leone and my biggest joy… will be, watching the Sierra Leone National Team—Leone Stars—play competitive CAF and FIFA matches here”.
— Babadi Kamara, Owner of the Southern Arena

7. Conclusion

The Southern Arena project stands as a clear demonstration of our company’s capability to deliver high-quality, durable, and complex construction projects in challenging environments. By leveraging smart engineering and robust project management, we helped create a world-class