By Mahamood Fofana
Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has highlighted infrastructure development, football growth, governance reforms and international engagement as key achievements of his administration during its first year in office.
Speaking to the media on 3 August 2026 to mark his first anniversary as SLFA President, Kamara said the engagement was aimed at providing journalists with accurate information on the Association’s activities and achievements, while addressing what he described as misleading reports circulating on social media.
Since taking office, Kamara said his administration has focused on strengthening Sierra Leone’s football ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, national teams, women’s football, youth development and improved football administration.
The SLFA has also continued to strengthen its relationship with FIFA, CAF and WAFU A, with Kamara pointing to Sierra Leone’s growing recognition within international football structures as evidence of the Association’s progress.
He noted that his appointment to a FIFA advisory committee, alongside the appointment of other SLFA officials to international football structures, has further enhanced Sierra Leone’s representation and visibility within the global game.
Infrastructure development remains a major priority for the administration. One of its flagship projects is the planned acquisition of a US$2.8 million, five-storey building to serve as the SLFA Secretariat. The facility is expected to provide the Association with a permanent and modern headquarters while improving football administration.
Kamara also announced plans to upgrade four football grounds across the country. Parade Field, Wusum Field, Koidu City Field and Lungi Town Field are expected to receive artificial turf, floodlights and other improvements aimed at enhancing playing conditions and expanding opportunities for football development.
In another move aimed at strengthening domestic football, the SLFA has increased the annual seed money for clubs participating in the Sierra Leone Premier League.
Each of the 16 top flight clubs will receive NLe 225,000 ahead of the 2026/27 season, representing a 12.5 percent increase from the previous NLe 200,000.
Kamara said the increase reflects his administration’s commitment to supporting clubs and strengthening the country’s top-tier league.
Looking ahead, the SLFA says it will focus on expanding football infrastructure, improving national-team performance, increasing investment in youth and women’s football, upgrading facilities across the regions, attracting stronger commercial partnerships and advancing governance reforms.
With its first year marked by a combination of infrastructure projects, increased support for domestic football and stronger international engagement, the Kamara administration says it is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and progressive football system in Sierra Leone.
