By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Bo Rangers Football Club on Saturday 20 September 2025, witnessed a historic moment as outgoing Executive Chairman, Babadi Kamara, officially handed over the leadership of the club to newly appointed chairman Joe Thomas. The handing-over ceremony, held at the club’s modern clubhouse in Bo, was attended by dignitaries, fans, and football stakeholders who came together to celebrate the club’s remarkable transformation under Babadi’s stewardship.
Team Manager Abdul Karim Bangura hailed Babadi Kamara’s tenure as an era of resilience, growth, and consistent achievements. He described the outgoing chairman as “indefatigable,” noting his dedication and sacrifices that elevated Bo Rangers to one of Sierra Leone’s leading football clubs.
In his farewell statement, Babadi Kamara reflected on his seven years in charge, recalling how he inherited the club in 2018 at a time of severe financial difficulty. With less than Le 3,000 in the club’s account, he set out to rebuild both the finances and the footballing structure. His leadership resulted in an extraordinary turnaround, leading Bo Rangers to unprecedented heights.
During his tenure, the club won three Sierra Leone Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two Super Cups, while also representing Sierra Leone in three consecutive CAF Champions League campaigns. Beyond the trophies, Babadi highlighted key institutional milestones, including registering Bo Rangers as a legal entity, constructing a modern clubhouse and secretariat, and securing transportation with the purchase of two buses.
He also invested in top-quality players, bringing in stars such as Musa Tombo, Tormento, and Saidu Bah, among others, who contributed significantly to the team’s success. Babadi thanked past and present coaches, board members, players, fans, and government officials for their collective support throughout his tenure.
“I am leaving with pride, knowing we have built something historic,” Babadi said. “I hand over with a balance of Le 1.193 billion, USD 65,000 in the bank, USD 11,000 in cash, and 30 players ready to serve this club.”
Taking over the reins, new Chairman Joe Thomas expressed his gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He praised the foundation laid by his predecessor and pledged to build on that legacy by maintaining Bo Rangers’ dominance both locally and regionally.
“We must keep a champions’ mind-set,” Joe Thomas emphasized. “Our target is to win the Premier League again and perform strongly in the CAF Champions League. We will also pursue sponsorships and strengthen fan engagement to keep this club united and vibrant.”
Thomas also promised prudent financial management and inclusivity in leadership. He outlined plans to bring more women into the management structure of the club, noting that a broader representation would enhance the club’s growth and ensure that Bo Rangers remains a team for all.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for unity among supporters and stakeholders. Attendees described the event as a significant chapter in Bo Rangers’ history, celebrating Babadi’s contributions while rallying behind Joe Thomas to carry the club forward. For the people of Bo and Sierra Leone, Bo Rangers remains not just a football club, but a proud symbol of resilience, ambition, and success.
