Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA's president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Business mogul Babadi Kamara elected new SLFA’s president

Business mogul and football philanthropist Babadi Kamara has been chosen as the new Sierra Leone FA President following hours of constitutional debates. He was duly elected on Saturday at Port Loko, Lungi’s Gateway Hotel in Sierra Leone.

Given the events that occurred today during the congress, the newly elected President, Kamara, must gather all significant Sierra Leoneans to join him and his group in addressing the current crisis surrounding the country’s football.

As the Sierra Leone Police forcibly ejected SLIFA FC owner Benjamin Gordon Esq from the hall, evidence of a growing crisis inside the football fraternity became clear. With 43 votes, Kamara defeated his nearest competitor, the female aspirant Aminata Bangura, who got 11 votes.

Kamara will be in office for four years, during which he is expected to revolutionise the football scene. With the absence of two representatives leaving the hall, Ethics Committee Chairman Mohamed Bainda declared that a total of 55 votes had been recorded.

Present at the congress were FIFA observers Ahmed Mohamed Mokhtar and Mohamed Khaled Amin Elshawarby from Egypt. Sierra Leone Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, and National Sport and National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai were among the guests.

Alie Badara Tarawallie, the current Mayor of Port Loko, has been voted Vice President 1, while Prince Kai Saquee has been elected Vice President 2. The elected Executive Committee members are Mohamed Sorie Jalloh, Kweku Lisk, and Haja Ramatulai Kamara.

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone FA election set to go ahead amid squabbles

As 57 delegates from the Sierra Leone Football Association gather this Saturday at the Gateway Hotel on Tulun Road in Lungi Town, Sierra Leone, the stage is set for a pivotal election. This congress will determine the association’s next president, a role crucial to the future of football in the country.

The journey to this point has been anything but smooth. The election process started slowly and faced numerous bumps along the way, especially after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) granted temporary clearance to female candidate Ms Aminata Bangura on July 31.

An attempt to secure a court injunction was dismissed when incumbent Thomas Daddy Brima raised several concerns, primarily due to disputes over the electoral procedures that have overshadowed this entire process.

Joining Ms. Bangura in the race are two additional candidates, Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah, who will compete for the coveted position at the upcoming elective conference scheduled for August 2 in Port Loko.

Meanwhile, Thomas Daddy Brima, the current president, has been forced to withdraw from the election after failing the Football Association’s integrity checks. He was unable to obtain a court order to delay the meeting, leaving him without options.

As the election approaches, tensions are running high. Various factions are alleging political manoeuvring, manipulation of delegate lists, and intimidation tactics. Although CAS has yet to announce the date for its final ruling, it is anticipated that the decision could take weeks, while the delegates prepare to cast their votes.

Zimbabwe's defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic
by FSL News

Zimbabwe’s defender Isaac Mabaya joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Defender Isaac Mabaya has joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Liverpool until the finish of the 2025/26 season. Having made his first-team debut for Liverpool last season against Plymouth Argyle, the 20-year-old is a former England youth international.

The Premier League, EFL, and FA must all agree with this loan agreement. Mabaya’s seventh acquisition of the Summer Transfer Window gives Wigan’s defense much-needed depth.

Preston native Mabaya started at Liverpool when he was six years old. Reaching the U18s at merely 16, he climbed the ranks of the youth team. Training and playing in Asia during Liverpool’s 2022/23 preseason, he impressed with the first team under Jürgen Klopp and grabbed notice.

Mabaya spent most of his time with Liverpool’s senior Academy squad demonstrating his excellent physical ability after signing his first professional contract in summer 2023. Having been on the bench for Liverpool’s Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven recently, he made his professional debut in an FA Cup match against Plymouth Argyle early in 2025.

He will start with Wigan Athletic until the close of the 2025–26 Sky Bet League One campaign. Having formerly played against Lowe’s team in preseason, he hopes to get priceless senior football experience.

“I am happy to be here and cannot wait to begin,” Mabaya said. I think I can contribute something to the team after discussing my expectations with the Head Coach. I find the Gaffer’s approach of play quite appealing; I have had several discussions with him. This is a perfect opportunity for my career to expand. I am anxious to perform in front of the fans because I understand the importance the Club carries. I’m eager to play for the supporters since I have heard how crucial they are and how wonderful the audience is!

Ryan Lowe, head coach, remarked, “I have known Isaac for years.” He feels ready to play even if he has several injuries. Knowing his caliber, I almost signed him when I was at Preston North End. A strong right wingback, he will help our right-side performance. We observed him play for Liverpool U21s and he is fit and enthusiastic to be here. We are delighted to have him and feel he would be a wonderful asset to the team.

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu extends AC Milan contract

AC Milan has confirmed a contract extension for Nigerian U20 international Victor Eletu, therefore guaranteeing the midfielder’s future at the San Siro until at least 2027.

With a two-year extension maintaining him at the club until 2027 and an option for a third year, Eletu agreed to the extension before the 2025-26 season.

The 20-year-old continues to be a highly regarded prospect inside the Milan youth system despite a string of injuries. Italian transfer specialist Gianluca DiMarzio asserts that Eletu is considered essential to AC Milan’s plans. This fresh contract shows their dedication to his recovery and development.

Eletu was a great performer for AC Milan’s Primavera (U19) team before his injuries, where his strong midfield game and leadership qualities were praised.

The contract specifies a clear development path for Eletu as he will be included in the club’s newly created U23 team for the next season, which will be competing in Serie D. His role and new contract with the U23 team offer a clear road ahead for his development.

Though he saw no playing time, Eletu was among the AC Milan squad for one Serie A game and two Europa League matches. On the global scene, he also distinguished himself as a key member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA's Presidential race after CAS ruling
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aminata Bangura back in SLFA’s presidential race after CAS ruling

A provisional ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reinstated Aminata Bangura in the race to contest the presidency of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in Saturday’s elective congress.

Bangura was disqualified from the shortlist of four contenders after the SLFA alleged that she had falsified her police clearance. But she challenged the decision by filing an appeal with CAS last week. The matter is far from over, though, as the court points out in its six-page ruling, stating that a final ruling could affect Bangura’s appeal regardless of the outcome of the election.

The elective congress will take place in Port Loko on 2nd August with two other candidates on the ballot. Babadi Kamara and Alhaji Umaru Bah join Bangura in Saturday’s election. The incumbent, Thomas Daddy Brima, who was disqualified after the FA’s integrity checks, failed to win a court injunction to postpone the congress.

The process leading up to Saturday’s election has been fraught with controversy as various parties accuse each other of political interference and other dark tactics, including intimidation. It is unclear when a final ruling will be issued by CAS, but based on the stipulated timelines, it could take weeks to conclude.