Even though he served as vice president on two consecutive tenures he was still interested in the SLFA presidency, but his dream probably died when he was awarded the symbol to contest for the mayoral position he now holds.
Prior to the elections, names like Rodney Michael- a football administrator, Mohamed Kallon- former captain of the national team Leone Stars, Brima Mazola- ex player, Foday Turay and Isha Johansen- also a football administrator, emerged as possible candidates for the top seat in Sierra Leone football.
Brima Mazola pitched tents with Isha, leaving the race tight for Michael, Mohamed and Foday. Before the election, there was tension among supporters and accusations against the eligibility of certain candidates.
It was widely regarded as the most tense SLFA election, as supporters were using abusive languages against one another and even threatened the lives of candidates.
Few weeks to the election the trio of Rodney, Mohamed and Foday were disqualified and Isha went on to become SLFA President unopposed. Many believed the process was fraught with political intimidation. As expected, the divide continued after the elections.
The football association has the mandate to call congress every year to discuss the state of football in the country, but more importantly the financial status of the SLFA.
After series of negotiations between the FA and other members of the football family who have formed a parallel administration headed by Unisa Alim ‘Awoko’ Sesay, Isha’s administration was forced to call congress. Dr. Patrick Coker, who heads the National Olympic Committee, was selected to preside over the meeting.
Knowing full well that a successful congress would see her out of administration, Isha was accused of doctoring the delegates’ list, bringing an abrupt end to the congress.
Still there is no solution to the administrative problem facing football in the country, with the family remaining largely divided.
2016 is here again, a year for another congress. And the problem of selecting delegates is ongoing. Until and unless a proper delegates’ list is prepared the congress will not hold this soon.
