By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Alhaji Mohamed Omodu Kamara, widely known as Jagaban, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for grassroots football through continued sponsorship of the Central One Football Association (COFA) Tournament. The annual event, staged at the Parade Ground in Freetown, is running under the theme: “Say No to Drugs, Say No to Violence.”
This year’s edition has captured the attention of football lovers across the city, drawing more than 32 communities from both Western Urban and Western Rural districts. Organizers say the tournament has generated unprecedented enthusiasm, with fans filling the Parade Ground to witness a display of community pride, rivalry, and youthful talent.
As the first round of matches concluded on September 16, Jagaban used the occasion to announce a series of impactful commitments designed to ease the financial burden on participating communities and reward outstanding performances. He pledged to refund the full registration fee of NLe 3,500,000 (Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Leones) to each of the 32 teams. The announcement was met with loud cheers from players, fans, and community representatives, who hailed the gesture as a demonstration of true leadership.
In addition to reimbursing the registration fees, Jagaban promised to sponsor awards in several categories, including Best Player, Best Behaved Team, and Man of the Match. These incentives, according to organizers, will not only motivate players but also promote discipline, sportsmanship, and commitment to the tournament’s values.
The first round of matches produced exciting football and showcased the depth of community talent across Freetown. Fourteen players were recognized as Men of the Match for their outstanding performances. They include:
Zion Martin (Hamilton Community)
Alieu A. Sesay (Fourah Bay Community)
Alusine Bangura (Portuguese Town)
Santigie H. Kargbo (Magazine)
Alim Kamara (Kossoh Tong Community)
Earnest Harlson (Kutournd)
Richard Backorie (Aberdeen Community)
Anthony Koroma (Lumley)
Randy M. George (Summar City)
David O. Kamara (Tree Planting)
Mohamed Marrah (Andonkai Community)
Kemoh F. Koroma (Wilberforce Community)
Patrick Turay (Kroobay Community)
- Bo Kamara (Dwazark Community)
These names now stand out as some of the tournament’s early stars, and fans are eagerly anticipating the next rounds to see how they will continue to perform.
Beyond football, Jagaban’s role in the COFA tournament is seen as a broader commitment to community development and youth empowerment. His message aligns closely with the tournament’s anti-drug and anti-violence theme, which seeks to use sport as a tool for positive change.
“Jagaban’s leadership is not just about sponsorship; it is about instilling values of discipline, unity, and resilience among our young people,” one COFA official noted. “His contribution is ensuring that grassroots football thrives while communities embrace messages that matter.”
Over the years, Jagaban has built a reputation for principled leadership and structured engagement with communities. His involvement in COFA has gone beyond financial contributions to fostering trust and inspiring young players to pursue their talents responsibly.
As the COFA 2025/2026 tournament moves into its next phase, anticipation is building not only for the football matches ahead but also for the continued impact of Jagaban’s support. For many, his sponsorship is a reminder that sport, when properly nurtured, can unite communities and create lasting opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth.
