By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The newly elected president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara has met President Julius Maada Bio at State House and tell him that he is the most popular SLFA president in the history of the nation. He made this statement during a courtesy visit to State House Wednesday 13 July 2025, where he formally introduced his new executive team to the president.
Kamara, who secured a decisive victory in the recently concluded SLFA elections, described his executive as the most inclusive in Sierra Leone’s football history, reflecting a broad representation of stakeholders across the country.
In his address, the SLFA President thanked President Bio for his long-standing and consistent commitment to the development of football in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the president’s contributions to sports over the years, particularly in ensuring that football thrives despite challenges ranging from governance disputes to funding constraints.
“Your Excellency, your unwavering support for our game has inspired many of us,” Kamara said. “From grassroots football to the national team level, your government’s efforts have been instrumental in moving Sierra Leonean football forward. My team and I are ready to build on this momentum and deliver results for the fans and the country.”
Kamara’s executive team, present at the meeting, includes figures from diverse professional and regional backgrounds, signalling a shift towards unity and cooperation in football administration. The SLFA President stressed that this inclusivity will ensure every region and stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of the game.
He also assured President Bio that under his leadership, the SLFA will prioritise transparency, grassroots development, and the welfare of players. Kamara pledged to strengthen the national league, improve the country’s football infrastructure, and support the national teams to achieve greater success in international competitions.
Responding, President Bio congratulated Babadi Kamara and his executive team on their election and expressed optimism about the new chapter in Sierra Leone’s football governance. He reiterated his government’s commitment to working with the SLFA to promote sports as a tool for youth empowerment, national cohesion, and international representation.
“Football is a unifying force in this country,” President Bio said. “When Leone Stars qualify for major tournaments or when our clubs compete in Africa, the entire nation rallies together. My government will continue to support initiatives that strengthen our football structures and create opportunities for young players.”
The meeting at State House was marked by a spirit of optimism and collaboration, with both sides acknowledging the role of sports in fostering unity and development. Kamara’s confident assertion of being the most popular SLFA president in history was received with enthusiasm, reflecting the public’s heightened interest in his leadership.
As Sierra Leone looks ahead to upcoming international fixtures and domestic football reforms, the partnership between the SLFA and the government is expected to play a pivotal role in driving progress. Kamara’s vision, combined with state support, could set the stage for a transformative era in Sierra Leonean football.
