By Alex Lansana Claye
The Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, has praised the leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association for promoting good governance, transparency and unity, describing the current administration as a model for football development in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the keynote address at the SLFA Congress in Bo, the Minister conveyed warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, whom she credited with revitalising football across the country through his government’s continued support for the sport.
She noted that Sierra Leone’s football landscape has undergone remarkable transformation, pointing to the successful organisation of the Premier League, the FA Cup and other competitions that have created opportunities for young talents to emerge.
Madam Minister also applauded the leadership of SLFA President Babadi Kamara, describing him as “a God-sent leader” whose administration has restored stability, unity and confidence in football governance.
She said the current Executive Committee has demonstrated key principles of good governance, including accountability, transparency, inclusivity, efficiency and effectiveness, adding that these values have replaced the conflicts and divisions that previously characterised football administration in the country.
Highlighting the progress made under the current leadership, Madam Augusta James-Teima cited improvements in human capacity development, financial management, equipment acquisition, infrastructure development and stakeholder collaboration. She stressed that unity remains the foundation for achieving lasting success in football.
The Minister of Sports urged regional, district and zonal football bodies to emulate the governance standards being demonstrated at the national level, warning that weak administration at lower levels could undermine the gains already achieved by the SLFA.
She further encouraged the Football Association to continue investing in capacity building, noting that training and education reduce misunderstandings, improve accountability and strengthen confidence among stakeholders.
The Honourable Minister also called on the football family to prioritise youth employment by creating opportunities through football development programmes. She said the sport has enormous potential to provide livelihoods for young people and help steer them away from social vices such as drug abuse.
Emphasising the government’s public sector reform agenda, she urged football administrators to mainstream gender equality and ensure greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in all football programmes and decision-making processes.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s support for the SLFA, the Minister said her commitment was based on the Association’s achievements and its contribution to national development through sport.
Madam Augusta James-Teima concluded by wishing delegates fruitful deliberations and expressed confidence that the Congress would further strengthen football governance and propel Sierra Leone football to even greater heights.
