By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The West Africa Football Union (WAFU A) has confirmed the appointment of two Sierra Leonean officials to participate in the upcoming inaugural WAFU A Under-17 Girls’ Tournament, scheduled to be held in Liberia from September 15 to 28, 2025.
In the list of officials released ahead of the regional competition, Sierra Leone is represented by Alhaji Dawdu Williams, who has been appointed as a Referee Assessor, and Humu Marah, who will serve as a Central Referee. Their appointments mark another proud moment for Sierra Leone’s football community and highlight the recognition of local officials on the continental stage.
Williams, a highly respected referee assessor, brings years of technical experience in evaluating referees’ performances and ensuring that officiating standards meet both regional and international benchmarks. His role will be crucial in guiding and mentoring match officials throughout the tournament, a responsibility that underscores the trust WAFU has in his expertise.
Marah, on the other hand, has steadily built a reputation as one of Sierra Leone’s leading female referees. She has officiated in several local and international fixtures, and her appointment as a central referee is seen as a reward for her consistency, integrity, and professionalism on the pitch. Marah will be among the women breaking barriers in football officiating, representing not only Sierra Leone but also contributing to the advancement of female refereeing in West Africa.
The tournament in Liberia will be the first of its kind, bringing together U-17 girls’ teams from across the WAFU A zone. Beyond the competition itself, the event is seen as an important platform for developing grassroots women’s football in the region and giving young female players the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage. Having Sierra Leonean officials at the heart of the tournament adds to the country’s visibility in regional football affairs.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has welcomed the appointments, describing them as a clear demonstration of the confidence WAFU and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have placed in Sierra Leonean sports officials. According to SLFA, these opportunities provide vital exposure for local referees and assessors while inspiring a new generation of football administrators in the country.
Football analysts also note that the appointments strengthen Sierra Leone’s profile within WAFU and CAF, reinforcing the importance of investing in referee training and development programs. As women’s football continues to grow rapidly across Africa, the presence of Sierra Leonean officials in such competitions reflects the country’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s development.
As Liberia prepares to host the historic tournament, attention will not only be on the young female players but also on the quality of officiating. With Williams and Marah playing central roles, Sierra Leone’s influence will be felt both on and off the pitch.
