Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara has hailed the Leone Stars as a symbol of unity for the nation, asserting that the national team embodies a shared passion among Sierra Leoneans. “Leone Stars is one thing every Sierra Leonean has in common; we all want our boys to win,” Kamara said, as reported by AYV Media.
His remarks come as the Leone Stars ramp up their preparations for the TotalEnergies 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with matches against Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea scheduled for later this month.
Since assuming office on August 2, 2025, Kamara has frequently emphasised the importance of football in fostering national cohesion. He pledged an inclusive leadership, stating, “Football has no boundaries, and my executive is the most inclusive in our history, cutting across all regions and tribes.”
Kamara prioritised good governance and improvements to football infrastructure during discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, noting that just five of Sierra Leone’s 16 districts have suitable playing venues.
As the national team prepares for crucial Group E fixtures, head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has focused training camps on home-based players before integrating foreign-based professionals. Kamara has actively supported the team, visiting training sessions to motivate players and overseeing the football association’s efforts. His involvement also extends to youth teams, including a visit to the U-17 squad ahead of their WAFU-A qualifying campaign in Senegal.
Sierra Leone is grouped with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Zimbabwe for the qualifiers, with their match against Zimbabwe set for September 24, followed by a fixture against Equatorial Guinea on September 28. With these qualifiers looming, Kamara’s call for national unity and support for the Leone Stars is central to the team’s efforts to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last two editions.
