Battle for supremacy: Thomas Daddy Brima & Babadi Kamara in Tight Race for SLFA Presidency
By Ibrahim Thoronka (Cavani) in Lunsar
Football enthusiasts and fans alike in Sierra Leone keenly await the final whistle that will signal the democratic bout between the current President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Thomas Daddy Brima, who is seeking re-election, and Babadi Kamara, the Former Team Manager of Leone Stars, Chairman of Bo Rangers FC and CEO of Lead Way Trading Company. Football analysts and pundits see this as a tight run for the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Presidency come June 2025.
Thomas Daddy Brima was elected to office on Saturday, June 5, 2022. He succeeded Isha Johansen after securing a total of 31 votes from the polls to defeat Sadick Deen-Nyarkoh, who pulled 26 votes in the elections. The 46-year-old was the surprise choice to succeed Johansen, who had relinquished power after eight years in charge.
President Thomas Daddy Brima succeeded Isha Johansen, who had withdrawn from the presidential race to concentrate on her FIFA Council position. He was one of five initial candidates but was boosted by the withdrawal of three of them, including Johansen, who then gave him her backing. The two other withdrawals, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and Rodney Michael backed the defeated Deen-Nyarkoh.
Since assuming the role of President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima has spearheaded a transformative era for Sierra Leonean football. His leadership has brought about significant developments, reshaping the landscape of the sport and igniting hope and enthusiasm among fans, players, and stakeholders alike.
Under Brima's guidance, SLFA has prioritized the enhancement of football infrastructure across the nation. From renovated stadiums to upgraded training facilities, the investment in infrastructure has provided players with class environments to hone their skills. This commitment to infrastructure has elevated the quality of football and positioned Sierra Leone as a competitive force in the region.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talents, Brima has championed various youth development initiatives. Youth academies have been established to identify and nurture promising players from a grassroots level. These academies focus on football skills and prioritize education and character development, creating well-rounded athletes poised for success both on and off the field.
Brima's administration has actively pursued strategic partnerships and exchanges with international football organizations. This has opened doors for Sierra Leonean players to gain exposure to different playing styles and cultures, broadening their horizons and raising the standard of play. Through these partnerships, SLFA has facilitated training camps, friendly matches, and coaching clinics, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The impact of Brima's leadership is evident as Sierra Leone's performance on the international stage has continued to cultivate dividends beyond imagination since he assumed office in 2022. A pragmatic example of Daddy Brima’s astute leadership towards football was the Leone Stars’ generational historic qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 after twenty-five years.
National teams have achieved notable successes, with impressive showings in regional tournaments. Sierra Leonean clubs have also made their mark in continental competitions, showcasing their talents and potential within the nation's football landscape. These achievements are a testament to the vision and dedication of Brima and his team.
Beyond the field, Brima has prioritized community engagement and support, enabling SLFA to launch initiatives that have promoted football at the grassroots level, engaging communities and fostering love for the sport among youth. Under the dynamic leadership of Brima, Football has become a unifying force, bringing communities together and instilling a sense of pride and unity. He has been actively involved in implementing organizational reforms in Sierra Leone football, ranging from working towards improving the governance structure of football associations and clubs to promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism. By addressing issues such as corruption and mismanagement, Brima has helped to create a more sustainable and efficient football ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
As Sierra Leonean football continues its ascent under Thomas Daddy Brima's leadership, the future is bright with promise. The foundations laid in infrastructure, youth developments, international collaborations, and community engagements have undeniably paved the way for sustained success. With Brima's unwavering commitment to excellence, Sierra Leone football is poised to reach even greater heights on the global stage.
In Thomas Daddy Brima, Sierra Leone football has found a visionary leader whose passion and dedication drive positive change through infrastructure investments, youth development initiatives, international partnerships, and community engagement. He works towards shaping a legacy of success for generations to come. As fans and stakeholders rally behind this transformational leadership, Sierra Leone is on an upward trajectory, fueled by the spirit of unity, resilience, and the love of the game.
On the other side of the pendulum, the name Babadi Kamara resonates with football grandeur these days; hence, it cannot be overstated. Kamara has singlehandedly transformed a once unfancied Bo Rangers football club into a fashionable outfit that appetizes players' dreams of playing for the team.
Babadi Kamara's candidacy has emerged as a beacon of hope for the future of football in Sierra Leone. With a distinguished track record as the Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers FC and the Founder/CEO of Southern Arena, Babadi Kamara has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to the sport.
Babadi Kamara has injected a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His successful tenure as the Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers FC has been marked by significant achievements, including the revitalization of the club and its rise to prominence in Sierra Leonean football. Under his leadership, Bo Rangers FC has excelled on the pitch and made strides in youth development and community engagement, showcasing Kamara’s holistic approach to football management.
Furthermore, as the Founder/CEO of Southern Arena, Babadi Kamara has demonstrated his business acumen and strategic vision. His entrepreneurial spirit and management capabilities have been instrumental in the growth and success of a FIFA-certified Southern Arena, contributing to the overall development of sports infrastructure in Sierra Leone.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Babadi Kamara is known for his integrity, transparency, and commitment to good governance. These qualities are essential for the effective leadership of the SLFA, especially in light of the challenges and controversies that have plagued the organization in the past. Babadi’s reputation for ethical conduct and accountability makes him a trusted figure within the football community and positions him as a unifying force capable of bringing about positive change.
Moreover, Kamara’s platform for the SLFA presidency is built on a comprehensive vision for the future of football in Sierra Leone. His strategic plan encompasses initiatives to enhance football academy development, improve infrastructure and facilities beyond the football pitch, foster partnerships with local and international stakeholders, and promote ethical standards and fair play within the sporting discipline. His agenda reflects a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the football community and a genuine commitment to advancing the sport at all levels.
Ultimately, Babadi Kamara’s candidacy represents a unique opportunity for SLFA to usher in a new era of leadership characterized by professionalism, inclusivity, and progress. His proven track records, leadership qualities, and vision for the future make him the best candidate to lead the SLFA and sail through Sierra Leonean football towards greater heights of success and recognition nationally and internationally.
Under Kamara’s stewardship, the BO Rangers Football Club has experienced a renaissance by implementing a modernized housing complex for players and coaching staff. This move has elevated the club’s status and set a new standard for football infrastructure in the region, positioning the BO Rangers as a model for other football clubs in Sierra Leone.
Kamara’s impact goes beyond his local endeavors. His role as the Team Manager for the Sierra Leone National Football Team (Leone Stars) has showcased his leadership and administrative acumen at a national level. What sets Kamara apart from his arch-rivals is his willingness to extend support beyond his team, offering assistance to other premier league teams, thus fostering a spirit of collaboration for advancing football in Sierra Leone.
Now, as Kamara sets his sights on the Presidency of the SLFA, he aims to usher in a new era for Sierra Leone football. His overarching objective is to reshape the narrative of football administration, prioritizing sustainable development and the collective aspirations of the football community over personal financial gains. Kamara’s vision is centered on ensuring broader representation for Sierra Leone in continental competitions and, at the same time, fostering an environment where the success of Leone Stars could become a national endeavor.
As the SLFA presidential election looms on the horizon, the football community finds itself at a critical juncture. Babadi Kamara’s candidacy offers a promising trajectory for the future of Sierra Leone football, one that gives preference to inclusivity, sustainability, and the elevation of the beautiful game in the country. It is imperative that football stakeholders and Sierra Leoneans alike rally behind his vision, providing the support necessary to propel Sierra Leone football to new heights under his stewardship. Forecasting Babadi Kamara in the driving seat, a new chapter awaits football lovers in Sierra Leone—a chapter defined by progress, unity, and unprecedented growth.
It is indeed a battle for supremacy between two supremos. Citizens await to celebrate the conqueror of the SLFA Presidency between these two iconic icons in the world of football in Sierra Leone: Thomas Daddy Brima and Babadi Kamara.
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