Babadi Kamara has become a cornerstone of Sierra Leone football through his transformative leadership of Bo Rangers, his vision for the Southern Arena, his role as Team Manager of Leone Stars, and his steadfast philanthropy.
From transfiguring Bo Rangers and developing football infrastructure to his dedication to supporting players and clubs across the country, Babadi’s impact on Sierra Leone’s football landscape is lasting and far-reaching.
Bo Rangers
Babadi Kamara’s journey in Sierra Leone football has been nothing short of transformative. From humble beginnings as the developer of the Bo Rangers Fan Club to leading the team to unprecedented success, his impact on the sport in the country is undeniable.
BBD’s story officially began when he was appointed Chairman of the Bo Rangers Fan Club. Aiming to bring together like-minded individuals with strong ties to Bo, the club became a forum for fans who either grew up in Bo, attended school there, or simply had a deep connection to the town. Through this project, Babadi began rallying support for Bo Rangers, organizing fundraising activities to support the club’s operational costs, including match expenses and player accommodation.
The club’s results, however, were not meeting expectations. That all changed when the Bo Rangers Board, impressed by Babadi’s dedication, appointed him as Executive Chairman of the team. In his new role, he spearheaded a major restructuring, registering the club as a company, forming a complete board, and opening a bank account. He also took on the challenge of scouting new players and assembling a new technical team.
Under Babadi Kamara’s leadership, Bo Rangers made a splash in the transfer market, purchasing players for big sums. His bold decision to rent a clubhouse for the team helped improve unity and camaraderie among players and coaches, resulting in improved performances on the field.
Babadi’s efforts culminated in the construction of a new clubhouse, which attracted even more talent to the club. The results were immediate and spectacular – Bo Rangers won the Premier League three times in a row, a historic achievement in Sierra Leone football.
In just three years, the team secured six major trophies, including two Community Shields and an FA Cup. BBD’s transparent management style won him the trust and admiration of the town, and Bo Rangers became a source of pride for the people of Bo.
Southern Arena
But Babadi Kamara’s vision extended beyond just Bo Rangers. Recognizing the lack of football infrastructure in Sierra Leone, he constructed the Southern Arena, a 6000-seater stadium built to meet CAF and FIFA standards. Located in Bo, the Southern Arena was designed not only to host Bo Rangers’ matches but also to provide a venue for national team fixtures and international competitions.
The stadium has already hosted numerous high-profile events, including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, as well as U-17 female and male tournaments and Mano River Union competitions. The Southern Arena also made history by hosting the first-ever CAF match in Bo, outside the capital Freetown.
The Arena has also created employment for local residents, with stewards and cleaners receiving monthly salaries, contributing to the local economy.
Leone Stars’ Team Manager
Babadi Kamara’s contributions to football extended to the national team as well. In 2021, he was appointed Team Manager of Leone Stars, Sierra Leone’s national football team, following his managerial successes at Bo Rangers.
Although his time as team manager was fraught with challenges – most notably a lack of support from the Sierra Leone Football Association leadership -BBD still managed to lead the team to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 25 years.
His disciplined approach to team management, which included a code of conduct that players still adhere to today, helped transform the Leone Stars into a more cohesive unit.
Despite his successes, Babadi chose to step down from his role as Team Manager, citing the lack of autonomy to implement his vision as the primary reason for his departure.
Philanthropy
Babadi Kamara’s dedication to the growth of football in Sierra Leone extends beyond his managerial roles. Even before he had aspirations to lead the SLFA, the seasoned football administrator was known for his philanthropy.
He regularly supported other clubs, players, and officials, providing financial assistance, training kits, and other resources to help them succeed. His efforts also extended to the development of individual players, including Musa Tombo Kamara, whom he believed had the potential to shine for both Bo Rangers and the national team.
Babadi’s humanitarian efforts were evident in times of tragedy as well. After a devastating road accident in northern Sierra Leone claimed the lives of eight players and a coach, BBD and his team were quick to provide support to the affected families. Similarly, during the 2023 Ports Authority accident, he sent an ambulance from Bo Rangers to transport the injured to the hospital.
His support has also extended to the regions, assisting regional football associations in organizing competitions. Furthermore, female Premier League teams have greatly benefited from his generous contributions.
Conclusion
Babadi Kamara’s impact on Sierra Leone football is immeasurable. His leadership has not only brought success to Bo Rangers but also transformed the country’s football.
Through his continued commitment to the sport, he has united communities, created jobs, and left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of footballers, coaches, and fans across Sierra Leone.
