Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – As anticipation builds for the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) Elective Congress scheduled for August 2, 2025, a new player has entered the political pitch of the nation’s football leadership. On Thursday, June 5, a coalition of reform-minded stakeholders officially launched what they are calling the “Third Force” at the SLFA Academy in Kingtom — a movement they say is born out of frustration, but driven by hope.
Speaking at the launch, Western Area Football Association (WAFA) scribe Benjamin Gordon delivered a passionate statement, positioning the Third Force as a corrective initiative aimed at rescuing Sierra Leonean football from what he described as “unethical governance, political interference, and systemic manipulation.”
“This is not an act of rebellion — it is an act of rescue,” Gordon declared, his voice echoing with conviction. “We stand not against people, but for principles: fairness, integrity, and the true spirit of the beautiful game that unites every district, every chiefdom, and every community in Sierra Leone.”
According to Gordon, the Third Force is more than just a political alliance; it is a mission-driven movement committed to “Reclaim and Reform”. Their vision is to restore autonomy to football governance, protect referees and clubs from external influence, and build a merit-based system where talent and honesty prevail over connections and corruption.
“The time for appeals and patience has passed. Today, we officially launch the Third Force — a force for reform, a force for accountability, and a force for football,” he added, flanked by fellow members described as “women and men of unquestionable character and proven service.”
With the current SLFA Executive’s term officially coming to an end, the Third Force says it aims to return the game to its rightful owners — the people: the clubs, players, grassroots volunteers, fans, and every child in Sierra Leone dreaming with a football at their feet.
“Let us remind ourselves,” Gordon emphasized, “football does not belong to politicians. It belongs to the people. To those listening here and abroad — we are not against anyone; we are for the game.”
Whether the Third Force can gather enough momentum to shift the balance of power within the SLFA remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the contest for Sierra Leone football’s future is heating up — and the people are watching. BT/9/6/2025
 Elective Congress scheduled for August 2, 2025, a new player has entered the political pitch of the nation’s football leadership.){kind=link}