By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Transition Committee held its final exit meeting with the Executive Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), concluding a series of engagements aimed at presenting initial findings from its review of the Association’s governance, operations, and overall performance.
The meeting followed a similar session held on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, with senior management and staff of the SLFA, during which the Committee outlined its preliminary observations and recommendations. The exercise is part of ongoing reforms designed to strengthen the integrity, efficiency, and accountability of football administration in Sierra Leone.
During the exit meeting, members of the Executive Committee expressed their gratitude to the Transition Committee for the extensive review process and welcomed the prospect of reform within the Association. They acknowledged the importance of the assessment and pledged to support constructive changes that would contribute to the growth of Sierra Leonean football.
The ExCo also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders in implementing recommendations that would not only improve the Association’s internal systems but also align SLFA operations with international best practices.
Also, In their earlier engagement with the Committee, staff members welcomed the review, describing it as an opportunity to address longstanding challenges that have hindered the effective administration of the Association. They highlighted the urgent need for capacity-building across departments, improved planning mechanisms, and the establishment of more transparent and accountable systems.
According to staff representatives, building stronger institutional capacity is key to ensuring that the Association can effectively manage both domestic football activities and international engagements. They also noted that better planning and transparent governance would boost stakeholder confidence and enhance the credibility of the SLFA both locally and globally.
Moreover, while presenting its preliminary findings, the Transition Committee emphasized that the review exercise had uncovered gaps in governance, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Association. Although the findings remain subject to further analysis and final documentation, the Committee stressed that immediate corrective measures were necessary to restore public confidence and accountability in the SLFA’s operations.
The Committee underscored the importance of transparency in decision-making, improved financial management systems, and the need for stronger compliance with established policies and procedures. It further noted that urgent reforms were required to enhance coordination between the Executive Committee, management, and staff to ensure smooth operations and effective delivery of football programs.
The Transition Committee reiterated its commitment to working closely with the SLFA leadership in implementing the recommended reforms. It also encouraged continued dialogue among stakeholders to foster unity, promote integrity, and build a foundation for long-term success in Sierra Leonean football.
In closing, the Committee reminded both the Executive Committee and staff that while the current findings were preliminary, the process provided a unique opportunity for the SLFA to rebuild its structures, embrace accountability, and strengthen its reputation as the custodian of football in Sierra Leone.
With the exit meetings concluded, attention now turns to the implementation of corrective measures and the broader reform agenda, which many observers see as vital to restoring confidence in the nation’s football governance.
