By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Saturday 8th November 2025 marked 100 days since Babadi Kamara assumed office as President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) a milestone that highlights a period of bold leadership, significant reforms, and renewed optimism for the growth of football in Sierra Leone. In just over three months, President Kamara has set a powerful tone for progress, unity, and professionalism across all levels of the game.
From the outset, President Kamara promised to restore credibility, efficiency, and purpose to football administration in Sierra Leone. His actions since taking office have reflected that vision, with a focus on development, transparency, and partnerships as the core drivers of the SLFA’s transformation.
One of President Kamara’s early successes is the landmark increase in football sponsorships, signaling a new era of corporate trust in the SLFA. Within his first 100 days, he secured a $180,000 sponsorship from Leone Rock Metal Group for the 2025/26 Leone Rock Premier League and a $150,000 partnership with Marampa Mines Limited for the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League the largest sponsorship deal in the history of the league. These groundbreaking deals not only provide financial support but also strengthen the commitment to gender equality in football.
President Kamara has equally focused on institutional strengthening and capacity building, rolling out training programs for administrators, referees, and media officers to enhance professionalism within the sport. His leadership philosophy “A credible and successful league starts with administrators who lead with competence, integrity, and discipline” continues to guide his reforms and inspire a new culture of accountability and excellence.
On the international front, President Kamara has made strategic strides to elevate Sierra Leone’s image in world football. He recently held a one-on-one meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss developmental priorities for Sierra Leonean football, including infrastructure, youth programs, and women’s empowerment. His growing influence was further recognized with his appointment to FIFA’s Independent and Standing Committees, alongside SLFA Executive Committee Member Kwaku Lisk, marking a significant milestone for the country’s football representation at the global level.
In terms of infrastructure and modernization, President Kamara is spearheading a rapid transformation of the SLFA Secretariat. Work is ongoing to give the headquarters a new look, while plans are in motion to relocate the administrative offices to a modern facility that meets international standards. The Kingdom Academy will now serve purely as a Technical Center, reflecting his vision of structural clarity and long-term planning.
Under his leadership, Sierra Leonean football officials have also gained international recognition, earning appointments to key roles in regional and global competitions further demonstrating the growing respect for the nation’s football administration.
In a proud moment of national unity, President Kamara recently presented to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio the national U-17 and senior women’s teams, both of whom emerged as champions of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A tournaments in their respective categories. This gesture not only celebrated the teams’ historic achievements but also highlighted Kamara’s commitment to recognizing and promoting women’s football excellence.
As Babadi Kamara marks his first 100 days in office, his leadership has already set a new benchmark for vision, delivery, and results. From corporate partnerships to global recognition, from infrastructural reforms to national pride, his presidency is laying the foundation for a sustainable and inspiring future for Sierra Leonean football.