“The sports committee will sponsor the knock-out as it used to be in the previous years, but we are still looking for a sponsor for the league title since we were told that Western Union will not be coming in this season,” Kalamba told Observer Sports.

The nawettan tournament at the Serrekunda East Zone is nearing its climax as the league competition reaches its semi-final stages.

Milan FC beat Bantaba 1-0 on Tuesday to take the final semi-final spot, and the Milan boy’s reward for upsetting their arch rivals is an enticing semi-final cracker against Culture FC, who earlier ease past Abuko United 5-4 in penalties after a goalless draw in the regulation.

The two sides are billed to face each other on Tuesday, November 4.
In the other semi-final fixture, Rangers will lock horns with Gama Link United on Sunday, November 2,  at the Serrekunda East Mini-stadium.

Rangers reach the semis after edging out Ball Conge 2-0, while Gama Link progress after enjoying a 3-1 win against Medina United.

Knock-out competition
Meanwhile, the committee sponsored knock-out competition in the same zone has reached its last eight.

The first set of matches in the knock-out competition between Eden Border and Leeds United was in progress at the time of going to press last night.

Ball Conge will take Rangers today in another quater-final fixture, while TK Snookers face Kerr-Gi tomorrow.

The last set of knock-out quarter-final matches will be played on Saturday, November 1, with Culture taking on Zurich United.

Sponsor constraint
As teams battle through thick and thin for the two coveted titles, the organising committee is also sweating to secure sponsor for the most-recognised trophy - the league title - after its traditional sponsor, Western Union, declared it will not foot the bills of this year’s tournament.

Joe Kalamba, the president of the Serrekunda East Sports Committee has told Observer Sports that knock-out competition is normally sponsored by his committee. He added that the league cup, which used to be sponsored by Western Union, remains their worry after the international money transfer institution made an abrupt U-turn.