By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a landmark intervention, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has provided direct financial support of US$5,000 each to three clubs representing the nation in ongoing CAF interclub competitions, underscoring its renewed commitment to strengthening club football and boosting continental representation.
The initiative, championed by SLFA President Babadi Kamara, marks the first time the Association has made such a direct financial contribution to clubs engaged in CAF tournaments. The three beneficiaries are Star Sport Academy FC, competing in the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League; Mogbwemo Queens FC, representing Sierra Leone in the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU Zone A Qualifiers; and East End Lions FC, contesting the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Each club received US$5,000, bringing the total SLFA intervention to US$15,000. The support is designed to ease the financial burden of continental participation and reflects President Kamara’s vision of building a stronger, more supportive football ecosystem where clubs are recognized as critical partners in the game’s development.
Speaking on the initiative, SLFA leadership emphasized that clubs representing Sierra Leone in CAF competitions are not competing for themselves alone but are carrying the nation’s flag and promoting the image of Sierra Leonean football internationally.
President Kamara further called on football stakeholders, supporters, corporate institutions, and the wider public to rally behind Star Sport Academy FC, Mogbwemo Queens FC, and East End Lions FC as they embark on their respective continental campaigns.
“The support is not simply a financial contribution; it is a statement of intent — that Sierra Leone’s clubs deserve the backing required to compete, represent, and succeed on the continental stage,” the SLFA affirmed.