Babadi Kamara has been elected as the new President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), securing a decisive win in Saturday’s election. Speaking shortly after the announcement, Mr Kamara called for unity among football stakeholders and promised a fresh start focused on action and development.
Addressing delegates and supporters in his victory speech, Mr Kamara said the win was not just his, but a victory for football in Sierra Leone. “My name was on the ballot, but football is the real winner,” he said. “Today, you voted for action, not politics as usual.”
He thanked delegates for their trust and praised his campaign team, including Vice Presidents-elect Prince Saquee and Mayor Alie Badara Tarawallie. Kamara also expressed gratitude to his family and supporters at home and abroad, noting that his son was celebrating his first birthday on the same day.
“I don’t feel victorious today, but a deep sense of responsibility,” he said. “We see the trust you placed in us as sacred, and we will do everything we can to earn your faith.”
Kamara’s election comes at a time when the country’s football community has faced division and calls for reform. In his speech, he acknowledged past mistakes but stressed the need for collective effort and forgiveness.
“Our football deserves less division and less hatred,” he urged. “It is time to set aside the harsh rhetoric, cool down, and start seeing each other again.”
He thanked the government of Sierra Leone for creating an environment that supports football and promised to work closely with the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority. He also acknowledged the support of international football bodies FIFA, CAF, and WAFU.
Mr Kamara pledged to lead an inclusive administration. “We are a group that believes everyone, regardless of ethnicity, region, religion, political affiliation, gender, or disability, has something valuable to offer.”
Looking ahead, he said consultations with stakeholders would begin in the coming weeks to develop a strategy for football development at all levels.
“When football wins, Sierra Leone wins, and when Sierra Leone wins, we all benefit,” he concluded.
Kamara replaces the outgoing SLFA leadership at a critical time for the sport in Sierra Leone, with fans and players alike hoping his promises of unity and reform will translate into real progress.
