By Edward Dictionary Caulker, Sports Analyst
As the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) heads into its hotly anticipated Elective Congress on August 2, 2025, the road to the ballot box has revealed both commendable strides and bitter controversies. From disqualifications of high-profile candidates to swirling allegations and the tightening of ethical standards, this year’s electoral process has evolved into a defining moment for football governance in Sierra Leone.
At the center of this year’s process lies a rigorous and, at times, divisive integrity vetting exercise — one that has stirred both applause and skepticism in equal measure. But whether this process ultimately cleanses or deepens mistrust in football administration remains to be seen.
Integrity Review or Political Theater?
A total of 15 candidates put themselves forward for various executive positions. As per Article 32(2) of the SLFA Constitution and the SLFA Ethics Code (2020 Edition), all were subjected to an elaborate vetting process. The SLFA Ethics Board, acting independently, employed an inquisitorial method involving:
- In-person interviews
- Verification of documents through public institutions (Judiciary, CID, ACC, Immigration)
- Public petitions and legal testimonies
The Committee applied a standard of proof termed “comfortable satisfaction” — a middle ground between civil and criminal legal standards. This doctrine seeks a balance: to protect individual reputations while upholding the integrity of the football institution.
Winners and Losers of the Integrity Test
Out of the 15 vetted candidates, 13 were approved, while 2 were disqualified, fined, and banned for a year from all football activities. Both disqualified individuals were running for the presidency — a seismic development.
1. Thomas Daddy Brima – The Fall of the Incumbent
Perhaps the most shocking revelation was the disqualification of Thomas Daddy Brima, the incumbent SLFA President. His integrity review uncovered:
- Multiple dates of birth listed on different passports
- An improper police clearance
- An active Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation
While not indicted, the Ethics Committee deemed his documentation discrepancies and credibility gaps to be in violation of Article 15 of the Ethics Code. His disqualification sends a resounding message: incumbency does not shield one from scrutiny.
2. Aminata Bangura – A Symbolic Blow to Impunity
Another dramatic exit was Aminata Bangura, whose disqualification stemmed from:
- Allegedly forging her police clearance
- Lying under oath during the integrity proceedings
- Failing to appear in person for fingerprinting, as confirmed by CID
Bangura’s one-year ban is a watershed moment, especially in a football environment where women’s leadership has often been undermined or under-supported. Her case underscores the critical need for procedural honesty, regardless of gender or political affiliation.
The Babadi Kamara Files: Smear Campaign or Smoke with Fire?
No candidate has polarized public opinion more than Babadi Kamara, the Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers FC and a leading presidential hopeful.
Kamara faced a wave of petitions, including accusations of:
- Match manipulation
- Referee inducement
- Political interference
- Proxies committing assault
- Club capture and financial coercion
- Discrimination against rival clubs
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, the Ethics Committee ruled that none of the evidence presented met the standard of comfortable satisfaction. Videos allegedly showing bribery and documentation of assaults failed to directly link Kamara to wrongdoing.
Yet, even in legal acquittal, the court of public opinion remains divided. While his exoneration legally clears the path to the presidency, unresolved suspicions may haunt his tenure if elected.
Prince Kai Saquee and Others: Cleared but Questioned
Other candidates, such as Prince Kai Saquee and Christian Dauda Thompson, faced less dramatic scrutiny. Petitions challenging their residency qualifications and procedural conduct were dismissed.
Critics argue that these dismissals leaned heavily on technical interpretations of constitutional provisions. Still, the Ethics Committee emphasized its duty to legal accuracy over political perception, upholding decisions that may be unpopular but legally defensible.
The Judiciary’s Role: Building Trust Through Transparency
In a notable development, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, through Deputy Master and Registrar Hulaímatu F. Christian-Moses, confirmed that no candidate had any criminal record. This rare public disclosure bolstered the Ethics Committee’s conclusions and illustrated growing coordination between football authorities and national governance institutions.
It also marked a turning point in football politics: the merging of sport governance with state accountability mechanisms.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Ballot Box
The SLFA 2025 Elective Congress is not merely about electing new officials; it has become a national reflection point on integrity, due process, and the culture of leadership in Sierra Leonean football.
The Good:
- Institutional independence of the Ethics Committee
- Legal backing from the Judiciary
- Disqualification of candidates based on credible evidence
The Bad:
- Fragile public trust
- Allegations of political bias and favoritism
- Absence of comprehensive appeal mechanisms for disqualified candidates
Final Thoughts: A Moment of Reckoning for Sierra Leone Football
This election is a stress test for Sierra Leone’s commitment to ethical sport governance. While the SLFA’s Ethics Committee has set a commendably high standard, it must be followed through with consistent enforcement, transparent club operations, and continued collaboration with public institutions.
Football in Sierra Leone has never been just a game. It’s a mirror of national identity, aspiration, and integrity.
As new leaders rise, one truth must remain:
Winning the presidency is not a license to rule — it’s a mandate to serve.
Let this election not only install executives but also rebuild belief, restore transparency, and reignite national hope in the beautiful game.
