Former Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) president and FIFA Council member, Isha Johansen, has issued a heartfelt plea for unity and peace in the country’s football landscape, following years of internal conflict and division within the sport’s governing body.
Reflecting on her tenure and the challenges that plagued Sierra Leonean football, Johansen expressed deep regret over the impact these disputes have had on the nation’s youth.
In a public statement, Johansen shared her experience of facing “ruthless and unabated attacks” from football stakeholders in Sierra Leone, commonly referred to as “the football family.”
She emphasized that this internal discord has stunted the growth of football, which remains the most popular sport in the country. Johansen lamented that the real victims of the prolonged conflict were the children and youth, whose dreams and potential were sacrificed amid broken promises and failed leadership.
“In spending our energy fighting and in disunity, we failed to provide them the platform from which to realise their potential and live their dreams,” Johansen wrote, highlighting the consequences of years of infighting and political strife within the football community.
Her call for unity comes on the heels of a significant closed-door meeting held after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Assembly in Ethiopia. The meeting brought together key figures in Sierra Leonean and African football, including SLFA President
Thomas Brima, legendary football icon Mohamed Kallon, and notable football administrators such as Rodney Michael. The session was led by Amaju Pinnick, a FIFA Council Member and CAF Executive Committee member from Nigeria, and included other prominent figures like Mustapha Raj, the Liberian FA President, and Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigerian FA.
Johansen expressed her gratitude to these stakeholders, noting that they all endorsed the resolution to stand united in fostering peace and growth within Sierra Leonean football. She also reaffirmed her unwavering stance on good governance and integrity, stating that these values are essential for maintaining peace and promoting the sport’s development in the country.
