By Bockarie Allieu
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Thomas Daddy Brima, has proudly stated that peace has been restored within the sports sector under his leadership. Speaking at the weekly press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Thomas Daddy Brima noted that for over a decade, the sports sector had been plagued by conflict and unrest. However, since taking over as SLFA President, he has resolved these issues, conducting elections for all sporting disciplines and bringing an end to the division over leadership positions across the country.
“There is no longer any confusion coming from the North, South, East, or West about who should hold positions in the SLFA. We have revised the statutes, electoral codes, and sent orders to congress for approval,” Brima explained, adding that the SLFA is now awaiting congress’s final endorsement.
Brima emphasized that the SLFA’s executive committee and FIFA are aligned on how the association should run its daily activities. However, he clarified that it is ultimately the congress—the highest decision-making body in football—that must agree on and enact any changes to the SLFA constitution. The congress brings together all sporting disciplines to participate in discussions and contribute to the development of the sport.
In reflecting on his tenure as President, Thomas Daddy Brima highlighted the progress made in Sierra Leone’s football scene. “When I took over, the national team, Leone Stars, was only playing in one competition—the Premier League. Now, we are involved in several competitions, including under-12 and under-14 boys, the FA Cup, Division One for men and women, Division Two for women, and the Premier League,” he said.
He also revealed that despite managing more competitions, the SLFA has been operating with the same budget—US$1 million—that was used in the past when only one competition was held. Furthermore, under his leadership, the Leone Stars have participated in all international competitions from November to December 2023, playing a total of 24 international matches, all without relying on government funds.
The SLFA President acknowledged that the development of junior football categories is the responsibility of the association. He proudly announced that the under-20 team has now qualified for international competitions, but stressed that the association may eventually need to seek government funding to continue supporting these efforts.
Thomas Daddy Brima expressed his gratitude for the strong support the SLFA has received from the government, especially from President Julius Maada Bio, whom he described as the most supportive president in SLFA’s history. He also outlined plans to expand football to all districts in Sierra Leone, including the rehabilitation of football fields across the country.
Addressing his decision to appoint Victor Lewis as Chairman of the Premier League Board, Thomas Daddy Brima explained that Victor Lewis’s outstanding performance in the previous Premier League season made him the ideal choice. “As President, I have the authority to make such appointments, and Victor Lewis has proven himself capable, which is why we selected him for this crucial role,” Brima concluded.
The SLFA, under Thomas Daddy Brima’s leadership, continues to promote football development and ensure peace and stability in the sports sector across Sierra Leone.
