Babadi Kamara on August 2, 2026 marked his first anniversary as President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), capping a year defined by major sponsorship deals, governance reforms, and renewed international recognition for Sierra Leonean football.

Kamara, who was elected on 2 August 2025 in a landslide victory with 43 votes at the Lungi elections, took over an association that had been plagued by financial sanctions and governance disputes. Within months of assuming office, he secured the lifting of FIFA financial sanctions imposed on Sierra Leone.

His administration has secured unprecedented corporate backing for domestic football. Leone Rock Metal Group provided US$180,000 to sponsor the 2025/26 Premier League, while Marampa Mines Limited contributed US$150,000 for the Women’s Premier League — the largest sponsorship in the league’s history . Orange Sierra Leone also partnered with the FA for the 2026 FA Cup.

Kamara has also focused on institutional reforms. The SLFA Secretariat at Kingtom has undergone upgrades including an extended perimeter fence, paved compound, and improved drainage system to protect the artificial turf from flooding. A five-storey building has been secured as the new SLFA Secretariat, with the Football Academy facilities repositioned as a Technical Centre.

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On the pitch, Sierra Leone returned to international football after a five-year absence, with Leone Stars defeating Liberia 1-0 in Bo. The U-17 Girls’ team won the WAFU U-17 trophy in Liberia. The FA also organised the inaugural Men’s and Women’s Unity Cup competitions to open the 2025/26 season.

Kamara has prioritised women’s football development, appointing the Association’s first Women’s Football Manager, establishing the first-ever Women’s Football Department, and developing the SLFA’s first Women’s Football Strategy set to be launched in September 2026. The administration also increased female representation within the Secretariat more than any previous administration.

The President’s international engagement has raised Sierra Leone’s profile in global football. Kamara was appointed to the FIFA Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee, while Executive Committee member Kweku Lish was appointed to the FIFA Institutional Relations Committee. He has met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

Grassroots development has been another focus, with over 1,000 footballs distributed to more than 420 schools nationwide under the FIFA Football for Schools Programme. The FA also organised CAF/FIFA coaching courses for over 100 coaches nationwide.

Financially, the administration says it has settled over US$250,000 in inherited debts and liabilities. Executive Committee members have foregone sitting allowances throughout the year, and Kamara has voluntarily declined per diem payments.

The National Sports Authority has congratulated Kamara, praising his “renewed energy, transparency, and progress” in football administration. The National Olympic Committee has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the SLFA to strengthen anti-doping implementation in Sierra Leone.

While stakeholders acknowledge challenges remain, the administration says the foundation laid during the past year reflects a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and long-term development.