By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has met with the country’s National U-17 team as they intensify preparations for the upcoming WAFU A U-17 Tournament scheduled to take place in Mali this October.
The engagement, held earlier on Tuesday 2 September 2025, was designed to motivate and inspire the young players as they get ready to represent Sierra Leone on the regional stage. President Kamara used the opportunity to encourage the players to stay committed, maintain discipline, and give their utmost effort both in training and during the competition.
Speaking directly to the team, Babadi Kamara highlighted the importance of hard work, focus, and teamwork. He cautioned the players to avoid distractions, particularly substance abuse, which he noted has derailed the careers of many young athletes across the world. According to him, the players have a unique opportunity not only to lift Sierra Leone’s name in international football but also to secure a brighter future for themselves through discipline and dedication.
“You are the future of Sierra Leone football,” Kamara told the players. “If you remain focused, work hard in your training, and avoid negative influences, there is no doubt that you can achieve great things. This tournament is a chance to showcase your talent and bring pride to the nation.”
The SLFA president expressed confidence that with the right attitude and support, the young team can bring home the WAFU A U-17 trophy. He further reassured them of the association’s continued backing to ensure that their preparation and welfare remain a top priority ahead of the competition.
On his part, National Head Coach, John Dominic Konneh, praised the president’s words of encouragement, stressing that such engagement plays a crucial role in building the confidence and morale of the players, noting that developing a strong and united team spirit is just as important as physical training.
“Motivation from the leadership of the SLFA gives these boys the belief that the whole country is behind them,” Konneh said. “We are working hard to ensure the team is tactically prepared, but hearing from the president himself is a huge boost. The players now know that they carry the hopes of millions of Sierra Leoneans, and that is powerful motivation.”
The coach also assured that the technical staff is committed to nurturing the young players, instilling discipline, and polishing their skills so that they can compete effectively against some of the best youth sides in West Africa.
The WAFU A U-17 Tournament serves as a key qualifier for continental competitions and provides a platform for young talents to gain international exposure. For Sierra Leone, success in the tournament would not only be a significant footballing achievement but also a major boost to youth development in the country.
Today’s engagement, according to many observers, underscored the importance of leadership support in sports. By meeting with the players directly, the SLFA president demonstrated his commitment to youth football and to the broader goal of raising Sierra Leone’s profile in international football.
As the countdown to October continues, the young Leone Stars will be looking to build on this encouragement, train with determination, and carry the hopes of the nation with pride.
