By Ahmed Abdul Wahab
For many years, Sierra Leone has been blessed with two remarkable individuals who truly have the game at heart and possess the resources, passion, and vision to help take our football to the heights we have long yearned for.
MOHAMED KALLON: A LEGACY OF PATRIOTISM
Mohamed Kallon is certainly not a stranger to Sierra Leoneans. He is a man who has done everything within his power to place Sierra Leone football on the global stage. He began making a name for himself at a very young age, notably scoring a stunning 35-yard goal against Congo during the 1995 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He went on to score again against Burkina Faso at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, further cementing his reputation.
Kallon’s journey took him to Lebanon, where he excelled and caught the attention of Inter Milan. At Inter, he shared the pitch with some of the greatest players in world football, including Ronaldo Nazário, Álvaro Recoba, Christian Vieri, George Weah, Zinedine Zidane, and Alessandro Del Piero, among others.
Beyond his club success, Kallon demonstrated extraordinary patriotism. At the peak of Sierra Leone’s civil war, he continued to represent the nation, even persuading other players to join the national team. Sometimes he paid for their flights and offered financial support himself. At a time when eligibility rules were less restrictive, he had the opportunity to switch allegiance to another country but chose to remain loyal to Sierra Leone.
His contributions did not end there. He went on to establish a football club that has produced approximately 60 to 70 percent of players for the national team, a legacy that continues to shape Sierra Leone football today.
BABADI KAMARA: BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP
On the other hand, Babadi Kamara has also made an immense impact in a relatively short period within Sierra Leone football. He transformed a team that once struggled at the bottom of the league into a consistent title contender for over a decade. Sierra Leoneans have witnessed his tangible contributions, including the development of a modern football stadium and the steady progress of his club.
A SHARED VISION FOR THE GAME
Together, both men have demonstrated passion, commitment, and an undeniable love for Sierra Leone football. The results achieved during their brief collaborations in international engagements have shown glimpses of what is possible when unity prevails.
It is therefore my sincere appeal to both of you: do not allow anyone to come between you. Differences in opinion, such as support for leadership positions, should not overshadow your shared vision for the game. Mohamed Kallon may not support your candidacy, but he undoubtedly shares the same aspiration for the growth of football in Sierra Leone.
Our country has a history of individuals creating division for selfish interests. Some of these influences have been present since the eras of Isha Johansen and Brima Mazola Kamara, and their track records during those administrations were far from encouraging.
A HUMBLE PLEA FOR COLLABORATION
This is a humble plea, not only to both of you but also to other stakeholders who share the same vision. Sierra Leone football stands to gain far more from unity than from division. The future of the game depends on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to national progress.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
