By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Babadi Kamara has been elected President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), earning 43 votes to decisively outpace his challengers, Aminata Bangura (11 votes) and Umaru Bah (1 vote).
Speaking to delegates and supporters shortly after the results were announced, Babadi described his victory as a defining moment for Sierra Leone football and a fresh opportunity to correct long-standing failures.
“God has done it for Sierra Leone football today. The habits that held this sport back for years; those are behind us,” he said.
BBD, widely credited for transforming Bo Rangers FC into a domestic powerhouse, pointed to systemic issues such as the absence of a structured football calendar and persistent financial irregularities.He cited, for example, the league’s disruption to accommodate unofficial international trips and the failure to pay Bo Rangers and Bhantal FC their prize money.
“People used to pause the Premier League just to take local players overseas for personal gain. That chapter is closed.”
The President-Elect’s track record in club football is widely recognized. During his tenure, Bo Rangers secured three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two Community Shields over four seasons; a run unmatched in recent years. Now leading the SLFA, he says he will apply the same focus and principles nationally.
“I believe in results and transparency. When I give my word, I stand by it,” the experienced sport administrator added.
Babadi called on all Sierra Leoneans to rally around the national team regardless of ethnicity, region, or political belief, stressing that Leone Stars belongs to every citizen.
“We may come from different districts, speak different languages, or support different clubs, but Leone Stars is what connects us all.”
He criticized the poor coordination of international fixtures under previous administrations, saying players were sometimes invited just a day before key matches.
“That’s not how serious football nations operate. We are here to fix what has been broken.”
President BBD praised the new SLFA Executive Committee as the most geographically balanced in the association’s history. The Executive include:
Vice President 1 – Alie Badara Tarawallie
Vice President 2 – Prince Saquee
Women’s Rep – Haja Ramatulai Kamara
Excos – Kweku Melvin Sheldon Lisk and Mohamed Sorie Jalloh
“This isn’t empty talk. My name means something to me, and I will protect it through discipline and action,” the President noted.
He also urged stakeholders to make better use of the government’s financial backing of the national team, disclosing that the state spends over $300,000 per match on Leone Stars, and he intends to ensure those investments deliver real value to fans.
“Our people deserve results. With good planning and unity, we will not just compete, we will win.”
Babadi Kamara outlined a long-term goal for Sierra Leone to become a regular contender at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We should be qualifying for AFCON every cycle. That’s the standard we must work toward,” he said.
As he wrapped up his address, the new SLFA President appealed for calm among supporters and stressed collective responsibility in taking the game forward.
“I urge everyone to return home peacefully. Let’s work together to rebuild football in Sierra Leone. We have the potential, and we will realize it.”