By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Mr Babadi Kamara, has been crowned with a traditional chieftaincy title during a high-profile visit to the North West Region. The recognition came as part of his official tour of Lunsar, where he was honoured by Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom with the title “Masmm Kawaleh Agboflor,” which means The Light of Football Chief.
The visit was organized by the Chairman of the North West Region Football Association, Abdul Osman Turay, popularly known as AOT. Mr. Turay hosted the SLFA President, his two Vice Presidents, members of the Executive Committee, and the Acting General Secretary, underscoring the importance of the occasion for the region’s football community.
As part of the engagements, the SLFA delegation paid a courtesy call to the management of Marampa Mines Limited (MML). The discussions centred on the possibility of securing a sponsorship package for the Women’s Premier League, a competition that has been steadily gaining prominence in Sierra Leone.
The delegation was received by the company’s Managing Director and Finance Director, who expressed keen interest in exploring partnership opportunities with the football body. According to officials present, the meeting was highly successful and left both parties optimistic about future collaboration.
“This engagement with Marampa Mines Limited is a clear sign of progress, especially in the area of women’s football,” an SLFA official noted. “We are hopeful that the discussions will soon translate into meaningful support for the Women’s Premier League.”
Following the corporate engagement, the delegation visited Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom. The Paramount Chief welcomed the team warmly and praised the SLFA President for his efforts in revitalizing football in the country. He noted that the strides made under Mr. Kamara’s leadership were bringing pride not only to Sierra Leone but also to communities across the nation.
In recognition of his contributions to the game and his growing influence in Sierra Leonean football, the Paramount Chief presented a congratulatory banner to Mr. Kamara. The ceremony reached its climax when the Paramount Chief bestowed upon him the ceremonial chieftaincy title, “Masmm Kawaleh Agboflor.” The phrase, which translates to “The Light of Football Chief,” symbolizes leadership, vision, and commitment to the growth of the sport.
The honour was met with applause and celebration from those in attendance, including traditional leaders, football officials, and local residents. Many described the gesture as a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his energy to promoting football and opening new opportunities for players, particularly women and youth.
Speaking after the ceremony, SLFA President Babadi Kamara expressed gratitude for the recognition, pledging to continue working for the advancement of football in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with both local communities and corporate institutions, noting that such collaborations are vital to the long-term growth of the sport.
The event in Lunsar not only reinforced the strong ties between football authorities and local communities but also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in celebrating national progress. For many, the day was a reminder that football in Sierra Leone is more than just a game—it is a unifying force that cuts across culture, tradition, and development.
