In a country where football ignites more passion than politics, the race for the Presidency of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has become a national talking point. At the center of that conversation is a name gaining momentum and respect across the football spectrum — Babadie Kamara. Branded “A Candidate Without Borders,” Kamara isn’t just bringing a campaign; he’s bringing a movement — one built on transparency, development, and a global vision for Sierra Leonean football.
From the Grassroots to Global Networks
Kamara’s journey didn’t begin in boardrooms or executive boxes. It began on dusty pitches in Bo and Freetown, where he quietly supported youth tournaments, funded local teams, and nurtured talent long before he became a national figure. Over the years, that grassroots engagement evolved into deeper involvement in player management and club development.
What sets Kamara apart is his global reach. From London to Lagos, Dakar to Dubai, he has built strategic networks across continents — brokering scouting deals, facilitating international transfers, and opening doors for young Sierra Leonean footballers to showcase their talents abroad.
“My goal is simple,” Kamara stated at a recent meeting in Freetown.
“To give our players, clubs, coaches, and fans the system they deserve — one that works, one that’s fair, and one that connects Sierra Leone to the global football family.”
A Unifying Force in a Divided Game
In a football landscape often fractured by regionalism and political alignments, Kamara’s independent stance is refreshing. He commands support from club owners, district executives, youth league leaders, former players, and even fans on the streets — a rare feat in Sierra Leone’s deeply divided football environment.
“Babadie is different,” says Hon. Papa Bangura, a Member of Parliament from the opposition APC and a prominent football executive from Makeni.
“He’s not here to play politics. He’s here to build football.”
Still, his growing influence has drawn criticism. Detractors argue he’s “too connected to the North and West” or “not grounded in traditional SLFA circles.” Kamara’s response? Calm and confident.
“I have no borders in my thinking, and football shouldn’t either.
The days of closed-door deals and inner circles must end.
Sierra Leone has talent that can compete anywhere in the world — it’s time our football administration matched that potential.”
More Than Promises — A Vision
Kamara’s vision isn’t just rhetoric; it’s rooted in action. He’s already shown how partnerships, infrastructure, and professionalism can uplift the game at all levels. His proposal includes building youth academies, enhancing women’s football, and ensuring financial accountability in all SLFA dealings.
“Babadie is speaking our language,” says football journalist Bei Santigie Kamara.
“He’s not just promising change — he’s showing us how it can happen.”
A New Kind of Leadership
As the SLFA elections approach, Kamara’s campaign continues to gain both momentum and attention. Whether or not he wins, he has already reshaped the dialogue around football leadership in Sierra Leone — challenging entrenched systems and redefining what the future can look like.
“A Candidate Without Borders” may be a slogan, but for Babadie Kamara, it’s much more — it’s a principle. A belief that football should unite, not divide. That it should lift up communities, not sideline them. And that Sierra Leone, with its rich footballing talent, deserves a seat at the global table.
