By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has announced an increase in the seed money allocated to Premier League clubs from NLe200,000 to NLe225,000 each for the 2026/27 season, representing a 12.5 per cent increment.
President Babadi Kamara made the announcement on Friday evening during the Leone Rock Premier League Awards Night held at the Bintumani Hotel, where he said the increase was part of efforts to provide greater support to clubs as the country’s top-flight league prepares for a new season.
He explained that the adjustment comes at a time when the Premier League will operate with 16 clubs in the 2026/27 season following the reduction of participating teams from 18 to 16.
The SLFA President described the just-concluded Premier League season, led by Premier League Board Chairman Osman Tommy, as one of the best in recent years. He attributed the success to improvements in administration, discipline and the introduction of the FIFA Connect system.
President Babadi also disclosed that match officials’ fees had been increased from NLe700 to NLe2,000 since his administration took office one year ago, describing the move as part of efforts to improve the standard and professionalism of domestic football.
He further noted that the SLFA had, for the first time, successfully organised all major domestic football competitions, including the Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues, the FA Cup, Division One and Division Two leagues.
On issues of integrity and accountability, President Babadi said the association had taken disciplinary action against several match officials as part of efforts to protect the credibility of football competitions.
He stressed that the SLFA would not tolerate unfair practices or favouritism towards any club.
“No one is cheating anyone, at least not under my administration,” he stated.
The SLFA President congratulated Bo Rangers for winning the Premier League title and Star Sport Academy for finishing as runners-up. He also encouraged relegated clubs to return stronger while urging promoted teams to prepare adequately for the demands of top-flight football.
Turning his attention to the national team, President Babadi Kamara described Leone Stars as the “heartbeat of every Sierra Leonean” and called for collective support ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers scheduled for September.
He revealed that SLFA Technical Director John Edward Keister and Head Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa had travelled to the United Kingdom to scout eligible players ahead of the qualifiers.
The SLFA President also announced plans to construct additional football facilities in the coming year, with Lungi identified as one of the areas expected to benefit from planned artificial-turf projects.
He expressed appreciation to Leone Rock Metal Group, the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Finance, football supporters and SLFA staff for their continued contributions to the development of football in the country.
President Babadi Kamara further thanked President Julius Maada Bio and his government for what he described as their continued financial support towards the growth and advancement of football in Sierra Leone.