By Mahamood Fofana
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has officially launched the construction of a modern 435-seat pavilion and electronic scoreboard at the SLFA Academy Field, a project valued at $244,000.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, 22 May 2026, attracted key figures from Sierra Leone’s sporting community, including Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports Rachel Pessima, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority Mohamed Alphaka, and other football stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Kamara said the project goes beyond infrastructure development and represents a commitment to raising standards in Sierra Leone football. He noted that the new pavilion will enhance safety, comfort, and accessibility for players, officials, and supporters while creating a more professional matchday environment.
Kamara revealed that the entire project is being funded through his personal commitment, describing it as part of efforts to reduce dependence on external support and promote sustainable football development.
He further disclosed that the initiative forms part of a broader vision to modernise football infrastructure nationwide. A key component of that vision is the construction of a new and fully equipped SLFA headquarters to meet the growing needs and ambitions of the association.
The project is expected to improve facilities at the SLFA Academy and contribute significantly to the professional growth of football in Sierra Leone.
As construction gets underway, stakeholders have expressed optimism that the pavilion and scoreboard will enhance the overall football experience and support the long-term development of the sport across the country.
