By Ibrahim Bugalo
Football in Sierra Leone has always been a source of unity, passion, and national pride. The Sierra Leone Football Association ( SLFA) was once a symbol of professionalism and governance,tasked with overseeing the growth and development of the sports. However,recent events within the Sierra Leone Football Association ( SLFA) suggest that the organization is losing its integrity, as it becomes a battleground for political influence, intimidation, and open hospitality.
A troubling trend has emerged within the SLFA headquarters. Any respected personality who visits the Secretariat – especially those perceived as not being in favour of the current regime – faces verbal abuse, disrespect, and public humiliation. These individuals are met with insults, clapping, and the beating of tin pans behind them in an apparent attempt to ridicule and shame them. This kind of behaviour raises serious questions. IS THIS WHAT THE SLFA HAS BEEN REDUCED TO ?
Instead of focusing on the growth of football, it seems that the administration has allowed division and hostility to thrive. The SLFA, which should be a space for dialogue, fairness, and sports development, is now being used as a platform for setting political scores and silencing dissenting voices.
The football – loving people of Sierra Leone deserve bettle. The SLFA should be an institution that upholds respect, professionalism, and inclusivity. The continuous mistreatment of respected personalities, regardless of their political stance, only damages the reputation of the game and discourages meaningful contributions to the sport.
The SLFA should not be a battleground for power struggles but a place where football is prioritised. Under Babadi Kamara’s leadership, respect and professionalism would be restored. The days of respected figures being humiliated at the Secretariat would come to an end, and football would once again be the unifying force it meant to be
It is time for those in power to reflect on what football truly stands for. If the SLFA continues down this path of intimidation and disrespect, the very essence of football in Sierra Leone will suffer. Football should unite, not divide. It is up to leadership and the stakeholders to restore dignity, fairness, and respect to the game before it is too late.
