SLFA President Babadi Kamara, has challenged the country’s Under-20 national team, the Shooting Stars, to target a place in the final of the WAFU Zone A U-20 Tournament in Mali, describing the competition as a major opportunity for the players to advance their football careers and pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

President Kamara delivered the message during an engagement with the players and technical team in Conakry, Guinea, before the delegation departed for Mali. He explained that he had adjusted his travel plans to meet the team personally and encourage them ahead of the important assignment.

“This is a very big opportunity. You can be scouted in this tournament and can break boundaries through this tournament, but it all depends on the approach you give to it,” Kamara told the players, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to reaching the final.

Using Sierra Leonean international Jumah Bah, who plays in Germany’s Bundesliga, as an example, the SLFA President reminded the players that success at the highest level is achievable through determination and hard work. “If Jumah Bah is playing in the Bundesliga against the biggest German teams, then you too can do it. It is determination and focus,” he said.

President Kamara also pledged the SLFA’s commitment to sustaining the team beyond the tournament through regular training camps and friendly matches every two to three weeks, to improve player development and prepare them for the senior national team. He further urged the technical team to uphold professionalism, fairness and integrity in player selection, disclosing that he had not recommended any player to the head coach.

“We are not here representing individuals. I sit here as president of the federation, but I did not recommend a single player to the head coach. I believe you guys are up to the task, and I want you to be genuine to this cause. Select the best eleven to start every match,” he stated, adding: “Coaches, let us do what is right.”