By Mahamood Fofana
Nearly one year after assuming office, the leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) under President Babadi Kamara says it has made significant progress in institutional reform, financial recovery, football development, infrastructure, and international engagement.
Speaking during the SLFA Ordinary Congress held in Bo City on Saturday, 27 June 2026, Kamara reflected on the administration’s first year in office, outlining achievements since his Executive Committee was elected at the SLFA Elective Congress in Lungi on 2 August 2025.
According to the SLFA President, the administration inherited an association grappling with administrative, financial, and developmental challenges but has since implemented reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving technical standards, expanding commercial partnerships, promoting women’s football, and aligning Sierra Leonean football with international best practices.
Governance and Institutional Reform
Kamara said one of the administration’s immediate priorities was restructuring the SLFA Secretariat to improve efficiency and accountability. The reforms introduced clearer reporting lines, defined departmental responsibilities, enhanced communication, and strengthened performance monitoring.
The Association also recruited additional personnel to address capacity gaps while investing in staff development. Gender inclusion featured prominently, with increased support for women’s football programmes and greater emphasis on gender balance in recruitment and appointments.
Among the key reforms was the establishment of the SLFA Safeguarding Department in December 2025 to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable adults in line with FIFA safeguarding standards. The Association reported that most staff have completed FIFA safeguarding training, while similar programmes have been extended to Women’s Premier League clubs and the National Under-17 Women’s Team. A national safeguarding policy has also been drafted.
Financial Recovery and Commercial Growth
Financial sustainability has been another major focus of the administration.
According to the SLFA, the current Executive inherited liabilities of NLe1,805,039 and US$106,393. It reported that it has since settled NLe1,193,440 and US$16,398 while maintaining the Association’s operations.
The SLFA also announced an increase in commercial partnerships. Leone Rock Metal Group expanded its sponsorship of the Men’s Premier League to approximately NLe4,066,164 (about US$180,000), while Marampa Mines Limited committed US$150,000 to the Women’s Premier League, described by the Association as the largest corporate sponsorship ever secured for women’s football in Sierra Leone.
Additional sponsorship agreements with Orange Sierra Leone and Africell Sierra Leone have further diversified the Association’s revenue base. Orange sponsors the FA Cup, while Africell supports the league through its Value Added Service (VAS) partnership.
Technical Development
Coach education remained central to the Association’s development agenda.
The SLFA organised CAF D Licence coaching courses across all five football regions, alongside CAF C Diploma courses and refresher training for CAF A, B, and C licensed coaches.
Sierra Leone also hosted its first FIFA Elite Goalkeeper Coaching Course, facilitated by FIFA instructors, while the Association launched the Talent Development Scheme and expanded the FIFA Football for Schools Programme to strengthen grassroots football development.
Women’s Football Expansion
Women’s football has received increased attention during the administration’s first year.
The SLFA appointed Elizabeth Alberta Kailey as the country’s first dedicated Women’s Football Manager and completed its Women’s Football Strategy 2026–2030, providing a long-term framework for developing the women’s game.
The Association said FIFA approved funding of US$100,000 for an Under-17 talent identification programme, US$10,000 to support implementation of the Women’s Football Strategy, and an additional US$50,000 for capacity-building initiatives.
Integrity, Safety and Refereeing
The Association also prioritised football integrity and safety through CAF-supported Safe Stadium workshops, safeguarding programmes, anti-match manipulation training for referees, and an Anti-Doping Memorandum of Understanding with the National Olympic Committee.
The Referees Department introduced merit-based appointments, regular fitness assessments, integrity training, and expanded referee education. Sierra Leonean match officials also secured appointments to FIFA and WAFU competitions during the period under review.
Competitions and International Exposure
Domestically, the Leone Rock Premier League and the Marampa Mines Women’s Premier League continued successfully, with every men’s league match streamed globally on FIFA+.
The Orange FA Cup, the Unity Cup, youth competitions, and the continued participation of the Leone Stars in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers highlighted an active football calendar.
The National Under-17 Girls Team also enjoyed a successful campaign by winning the WAFU A Championship and progressing in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Media and Infrastructure
The SLFA said it expanded its digital presence by strengthening its partnership with FIFA+, redesigning its official website, and improving football promotion through collaborations with Orange Sierra Leone.
The Association also highlighted the appointment of its Head of Media and Marketing, Ibrahim Kamara, as Tournament Media Officer for the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Mali.
Infrastructure development included the commissioning of a new 435-seat pavilion at the SLFA Secretariat in Kingtom to support meetings, technical courses, football programmes, and stakeholder engagement.
Looking Ahead
While acknowledging that challenges remain, the SLFA leadership said its first year has been defined by governance reforms, financial restructuring, expanded commercial investment, grassroots football development, greater support for women’s football, and improved technical standards.
According to the Association, these initiatives are intended to strengthen the long-term growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of football in Sierra Leone.
