Newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadi Kamara, has stressed the importance of professionalism and structure in the development of football in the country. Speaking during an interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone, Kamara stated that if Sierra Leone aim to compete at international levels, the Football Association must be strict in its operations. “Football is not a hobby, it is a profession and should be treated as such,” he emphasized, calling for a mindset shift in how the sport is managed nationally.
Kamara highlighted that professionalism alone is not enough. He believes that grassroots development, especially at the district and chiefdom levels, is critical to building a strong national team. “If we can organize district football leagues and see what young players in these districts and chiefdoms can do, and empower them more, then we will have an unbeatable national team to represent Sierra Leone,” he said. Kamara’s statement signals a renewed focus on nurturing homegrown talent through structured and competitive local football leagues.
His vision resonates with growing calls for decentralization and inclusiveness in national sports development. With Kamara now at the helm of the SLFA, football stakeholders and fans alike will be watching closely to see how his leadership translates these words into action—and whether Sierra Leone’s football can rise to new heights under his stewardship.