Sierra Leone women’s international Rashidatu Kamara says she can now achieve her dream of getting a college degree following a pay boost.
Kamara and her international team-mates will now be paid the same as players in the men’s national team.
The commitment to equality has been made by the Sierra Leone government in conjunction with the football association and covers appearance fees and winning bonuses.
The new measures have even been backdated for the women’s team who have been paid $2,000 each for participating in this year’s maiden West African Football union (Wafu) Zone A tournament on home soil.
“I didn’t believe when I received it, It was indeed unbelievable. I have never before received such amount of money in my life,” she enthused to BBC Sport Africa.
Life changing
The 21-year-old, considered as one of the star players of Sierra Leone women’s senior national team, already has plans for her first payment.
“I’m delighted that we’re now having equal pay with our male counterpart and,” the converted left back who won the 2019 Liberia top flight league and FA Cup with Earth Angels told BBC Sport Africa.
“I have diploma in banking and finance and I’m hopeful that I’ll now earn more money to achieve my dream of having a college degree which will help me to plan my life after football.
“Having equal pay is what we’ve been hoping for, this is welcoming news and I want say thanks to our government and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).
“I believe it will motivate all female players in the country to do more. It’ll also encourage parents to allow their girls to play football.
Her sentiments were echoed by Martha Conteh, who captained Sierra Queens at the Wafu Cup
“It was unbelievable (to get the $2,000). I have never before received such amount of money in my life,” she explained.
“This is a welcoming news. I’m happy and I want to say thanks to the government and SLFA.”
“It will motivate all female players in the country to do more. It will also encourage parents to allow their girls to play football.”
