By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone – History may be on the verge of repeating itself as Aminata Bangura steps boldly into the race for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLAFA), becoming only the second woman to seek the position after Isha Johansen’s historic tenure.
Support for Bangura’s candidacy is growing rapidly across the globe, from Australia to the United Kingdom and the United States, with many describing her as a beacon of hope in a sport long dominated by men.
Josephine Sandy, speaking from Sydney, Australia, said Bangura’s candidacy represents a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s football leadership. “This is a transformational moment,” she said. “After Isha Johansen’s impactful presidency, I believe Aminata can do even better. Women in leadership are models of integrity, while many male-led tenures often end in scandal.”
In Liverpool, UK, Agnes Cole echoed similar sentiments. “Women are winning trophies and raising funds in sports around the world. They are courageous, passionate, and inspiring,” she said. Cole added that she personally encouraged Bangura to run due to her leadership qualities and commitment to doing the right thing.
Back in Freetown, Gabriel Thompson of Kingtom added his voice to the chorus of support. “If you want the world to come closer to you, choose a woman. If you want the world to smile at you, choose a woman,” he said. “Aminata has the charisma to lead, the virtue to represent, and the determination to succeed.”
As the SLAFA election approaches, all eyes will be on Aminata Bangura to see whether she can turn this groundswell of support into a groundbreaking victory — further cementing the role of women in football governance in Sierra Leone.
