Just five months into his tenure, Sierra Leone Football Association President Babadi Kamara has set a new pace for reform, rolling out bold changes aimed at restoring professionalism, transparency, and growth in the country’s football system.

One of the most significant milestones under Kamara’s leadership was the full restoration of the SLFA’s financial independence by FIFA. In January 2026, all financial restrictions placed on the association were lifted, signalling renewed international confidence in the governance of football in Sierra Leone. This decision also paved the way for the release of operational support funds, with more financial backing expected later in the year.

At the domestic level, the SLFA increased financial support to Regional Football Associations, raising allocations from 15,000 to 50,000 dollars. Match officials have also seen a major boost in welfare, with allowances for referees, commissioners, and coordinators more than doubling. The move is intended to improve officiating standards and professionalism across leagues nationwide.

Women’s football received a historic boost with the securing of a 150,000-dollar title sponsorship for the Women’s Premier League — the first of its kind in Sierra Leone. Sponsorship for the Men’s Premier League also rose significantly, reflecting growing commercial confidence in local football.

Grassroots development was not left out. Thousands of footballs were distributed to schools across the country in what has been described as the largest school football equipment rollout ever undertaken in Sierra Leone, aimed at nurturing talent from an early age.

Within the SLFA Secretariat, institutional reforms led to a complete operational overhaul. Infrastructure upgrades were also carried out at Wusum Field, including fencing, improved water supply, and renovated dressing rooms. These improvements were personally financed by President Kamara, underscoring his hands-on approach to leadership.

Competition management has also seen improvements through the introduction of a synchronized national football calendar, aligning youth, divisional, and premier leagues. The SLFA further strengthened transparency by holding its first-ever formal media briefing to update the public on reforms, progress, and challenges.

After more than 15 years, local coaches have again benefited from top-level refresher courses, helping to rebuild technical capacity and reduce reliance on foreign expertise. Player registration has also become more transparent with the nationwide rollout of a centralized digital system.

Match integrity and safety were addressed through renewed training for referees and safety officers, along with the introduction of performance-based sanctions for officials. These measures are aimed at restoring trust and credibility in domestic competitions.

According to the SLFA, the reforms initiated under Babadi Kamara’s leadership are laying a solid foundation for a more professional, accountable, and competitive future for football in Sierra Leone.