By Adama Hawa Turay
Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunication companies in Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) as the official sponsor of the 2026 SLFA FA Cup tournament on Wednesday 4th March, 2026. According to Orange SL, the partnership is said to be valued at over NLE1.8 million to support the tournament for the 2026 season.

Speaking at the event held at Orange Digital Centre Hall, Hill Station Freetown, the Chief Executive Officer, Orange SL, Madam Aicha Toure said that the partnership is a strategy collaboration to strengthen football and to expand its reach. She explained that the partnership seeks to promote the tournament and to also contribute to internal development, grassroot football, innovation and national development. She noted that over the past few years, Orange SL has invested more than NLE2.5 million in football development across Sierra Leone from grassroot to infrastructural development, and that they remain committed to strengthening the foundation of the game. She noted that the FA Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions and that it is a powerful way to connect to customers and communities and most especially youths. "We believe this partnership will strengthen the football grassroot in Sierra Leone, create Opportunity for young adults to shine, promote unity and national pride, and deepen positive engagement with fans nationwide." She ended by thanking the administrative of SLFA and said that she looks forward to seeing that the 2025 SLFA FA Cup tournament is a success.
The president of SLFA, Mr Babadi Kamara stated that the event marked not only the signing of a sponsorship, but also a start of a relationship that will forge the progress of football in Sierra Leone. He noted that orange SL is known for its huge support for football in other African countries and they operate in and that he is grateful that they are joining other reputable institutions in supporting football. He emphasized that they are not only investing in football but also in Sierra Leoneans especially the youths, as football is a way of stopping drug abuse and illegal migration. "You are taking away our younger souls from drug abuse," he noted.
The SLFA president highlighted some of the achievements of the association since he assumed office few months ago and that the association aims to develop the tournament and players in order to see to the growth of Sierra Leone's football image to the world. He ended by thanking orange for the opportunity and also granted them their request to brand the "Southern Arena" as a sign of appreciation.
The Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima also expressed gratitude to Orange SL for the partnership as it is a way of commending government's effort to see that football thrives better in Sierra Leone. The minister described the venture as "a step towards the right direction," and that the sponsorship will help enhance government's effort in achieving its human capital development goal and also ensuring job provision. She also commended the SLFA's leadership for its tremendous effort towards the development of football in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of National Sport Authority, the deputy director, Dr. Abdul Rahman Swarray stated the event is not only a celebration of the sponsorship, but also acknowledging the role of public sponsorship in sport development. He applauded Orange SL for its continued support in the football community and dedication to empowering the community and believing in the transformation power of sport. "This sponsorship will provide the necessary resources to enhance the competitiveness of the FA cup, ensuring that it remains a local tournament that chowcases the best of Sierra Leone football across the country" he said. Dr Swarray on behalf of the Executive Director thanked Orange SL and also urged SLFA to utilize the partnership to its fullest potential and work to ensure the tournament is organized to the right standards leading to fans chilling excitement and successs for all involved.