President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Babadi Kamara, on Friday 17th October 2025, donated granules and modern substitution dugouts to Premier League champions East End Lions FC at their new artificial turf facility at Trade Center in the east end of Freetown.
Welcoming the SLFA President, East End Lions Chairman, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr., expressed his gratitude for the visit, saying he felt inspired.
“I and a few other stakeholders made this happen, and it is for the fans and the people of this community,” he said.
The East End Lions Chairman took the SLFA President on a conducted tour of the facility.
Addressing the gathering, President Babadi Kamara thanked Amb. Navo and his executive for the new pitch, describing it as a major milestone in the history of football in Sierra Leone.
“We are proud of this project. This goes beyond the borders of Sierra Leone,” the SLFA President stated
President Babadi also referenced his own Southern Arena facility, which has hosted CAF, WAFU, and other competitions, and is also used by Muslims for prayers.
“There is no amount of money that can equate to the satisfaction you are giving to football fans in this part of the country; that passion can never be quantified in monetary terms.”
He further noted that the East End Lions project would help improve the lives of young players.
He explained that the granules and dugouts had been available even before the SLFA elections, but he chose not to donate them at that time to avoid the gesture being seen as a campaign strategy. “That’s why I waited for this moment,” the President explained.
President Babadi Kamara concluded by assuring Sierra Leoneans that he remains committed to transforming football across the country.
During the ceremony, East End Lions officially presented their championship trophy to the SLFA President, while grateful fans thanked him for his donation.
