By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has left Freetown for Rabat, Morocco, following a special personal invitation from Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe to attend the CAF Awards 2025. His invitation reflects the growing recognition of his early leadership achievements, which have drawn attention across the continent.
Kamara’s journey to Morocco comes at a time when Sierra Leonean football is experiencing renewed energy and direction. Since assuming office, he has completed a remarkable first 100 days marked by ambitious reforms, strengthened partnerships, and increasing confidence from both local and international football stakeholders.
In his early months, the SLFA President secured major sponsorship deals aimed at stabilizing the financial landscape of the game and widening opportunities for players, clubs, and administrators. These partnerships, according to SLFA officials, have already begun uplifting several structures within the association, helping to improve planning, competitions, and long-term strategic projects.
Kamara has also prioritized capacity-building within the sport. Under his leadership, new training programs for football administrators, coaches, and grassroots developers have been rolled out nationwide. These initiatives are intended to create a stronger, more professional football environment capable of producing long-term success on and off the pitch.
His leadership has additionally focused on deepening corporate relationships, expanding the SLFA’s network with institutions willing to invest in the game. Stakeholders have praised this approach, noting that rebuilding trust and strengthening collaboration are key to elevating football in Sierra Leone.
While in Morocco, President Kamara will not only attend the CAF Awards ceremony but will join the heads of all 54 CAF Member Associations for their third in-person meeting with Dr. Motsepe this year. The high-level engagement is expected to address several strategic matters, including reforms aimed at improving governance, increasing investment in youth football, strengthening continental competitions, and expanding development opportunities for national associations.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity for member nations to discuss key challenges facing African football in a rapidly changing global sports environment. Issues such as funding, modernization of football infrastructure, competition reforms, and youth talent development are among the areas expected to feature prominently.
For Sierra Leone, Kamara’s participation in the gathering is seen as significant. It places the country at the center of important policy discussions and strengthens its relationship with CAF’s leadership at a time when the SLFA is pushing for structural and competitive improvements.
Football observers in Freetown say the invitation from Dr. Motsepe underscores the respect and goodwill Kamara has already attracted since taking office. Many believe his approach to leadership—built on inclusivity, accountability, and development—has set a new tone for administration of the sport in the country.
The CAF Awards 2025 will bring together some of Africa’s finest football talents, past and present leaders, and key stakeholders from across the continent. As SLFA President Babadi Kamara joins this gathering, expectations remain high that his engagements will further strengthen Sierra Leone’s standing within African football and open new doors for growth, collaboration, and investment.
