By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The newly elected president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, and his executive team held a strategic meeting on 8 August 2025, with the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA).
The engagement, which took place in Freetown, was aimed at fostering a healthy working relationship between the football body and the government agencies responsible for sports oversight and development.
The meeting comes just days after Kamara secured a decisive victory in the SLFA presidential election, ushering in a new era for football administration in Sierra Leone. With the government serving as the largest sponsor of football development in the country, both sides stressed the importance of collaboration to achieve shared goals for the sport.
In her remarks, the Minister of Sports congratulated Babadi Kamara on what she described as a “resounding and well-deserved victory,” commending his commitment to the game, and expressed optimism that his leadership would usher in growth and stability for Sierra Leone football.
“The Ministry of Sports stands ready to work with the new SLFA leadership to ensure that football continues to grow in the country,” the minister said. “Our goal is not only to strengthen the game at all levels but also to create pathways for players to realise their full potential. We believe this new chapter offers an opportunity for unity, progress, and achievement.” She said.
She also highlighted the need for better structures in grassroots football, more support for youth teams, and an emphasis on transparency in football governance, noting that these would be key priorities for the partnership between the ministry, the NSA, and the SLFA.
For his part, Babadi Kamara expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to work hand-in-hand with the government to achieve common objectives. He stressed that his victory was not just a personal achievement but a triumph for the entire football community in Sierra Leone.
“This victory belongs to every football-loving fan in our country,” Kamara declared. “It represents the hopes and dreams of players, coaches, administrators, and supporters who believe in the power of football to inspire and unite. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the game reaches greater heights and that Sierra Leone is represented with pride on the international stage.”
Kamara also outlined his vision for football development, which includes upgrading training facilities, investing in coach education, improving player welfare, and building a stronger domestic league. He called on all stakeholders, including private sector partners, to support these initiatives, adding that football’s success depends on collective effort.
Officials from the NSA echoed the sentiments of collaboration, pledging their readiness to provide technical and administrative support to SLFA’s programmes. They stressed that good governance, accountability, and strategic planning would be essential to achieving lasting success in the sport.
The meeting concluded with all parties reaffirming their commitment to a united approach in advancing football in Sierra Leone. With shared priorities and a renewed spirit of cooperation, stakeholders expressed confidence that the future of the game in the country looks promising under the new leadership.
