Sierra Leone Wrestling Association

Meet Zainab Favour Kamara – The New Face Helping to Elevate Sierra Leone Wrestling

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) continues to usher in a new era of dynamism and professionalism, and one of the brightest additions to its leadership is Zainab Favour Kamara, the newly elected Assistant Secretary General of the Association.

Zainab Favour Kamara stands out as a young, vibrant, and highly focused sport enthusiast whose passion for wrestling and sports development has set her apart as one of the “new kids on the block” poised to help take Sierra Leone wrestling to greater heights.

A true lover of sports, Zainab’s interest in wrestling goes beyond admiration. She is deeply committed to seeing the sport grow from the grassroots to the elite level. Her vision aligns strongly with the SLWA’s drive to strengthen administration, promote inclusivity, and build a well-structured system that will produce competitive wrestlers capable of representing Sierra Leone on regional and international platforms.

Academically, Zainab is equally impressive. She is a double *Bachelor’s degree holder from Fourah Bay College, having earned a BA (Hons) in Political Science and later a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB)*. She is currently awaiting admission into the Sierra Leone Law School, a journey that further underscores her discipline, intellect, and commitment to service. Her strong legal and political background positions her as a valuable asset to the Association, particularly in policy development, governance, compliance, documentation, and institutional reform.

As Assistant Secretary General, Zainab brings with her not only youthful energy but also administrative competence, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills. She is expected to play a pivotal role in record-keeping, correspondence, coordination of programs, and supporting the Secretary General in ensuring that the Association operates transparently and efficiently in line with its constitution.

Beyond administration, Zainab is passionate about advocating for women and youth participation in wrestling. She believes that wrestling should be accessible to all, and she is committed to supporting initiatives that will empower young people—especially girls—to take up the sport, develop confidence, discipline, and resilience, and build pathways into competitive wrestling.

Her election has been warmly welcomed by the wrestling fraternity, who see her as a symbol of progress, inclusivity, and modern leadership. With her academic pedigree, legal insight, and genuine love for wrestling, Zainab Favour Kamara represents a new generation of sports administrators ready to inject professionalism and innovation into Sierra Leone wrestling.

As the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association embarks on its new six-year leadership journey, the presence of Zainab Favour Kamara within its executive team is widely viewed as a strong statement of intent — a commitment to growth, transparency, and the sustainable development of wrestling across Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Wrestling Association Elects New Executive to Steer Affairs for the Next Six Years

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) has successfully held its much-anticipated Elective Congress, ushering in a new leadership that will oversee the affairs of the organization for the next six years in accordance with its constitution.

The historic congress took place at the OlympAfrica Center in Goderich and brought together delegates and representatives from all five regions of the country. The gathering marked a significant milestone for wrestling in Sierra Leone as it laid the foundation for renewed leadership, unity, and strategic direction aimed at elevating the sport nationwide.

At the end of the congress, a new national executive was elected through a democratic process to pilot the affairs of the association. The newly elected officials are:
- Prince Vandy Sualley – President (Elected Unopposed)
- Musa Conteh – Vice President
- Bai Bangura – Secretary General
- Zainab Favour Kamara – Assistant Secretary General
- Unisa Dumbuya – Treasurer
- Alie Bundu – Public Relations Officer
- Jamal Jaffa – Technical Director
- Sulaiman Kargbo – Athlete Representative
- Haja Fatmata Ben Kamara – Women’s Representative

In addition to the national officers, the congress also elected regional chairpersons to strengthen grassroots development and coordination across the country:
- Abdul E. Conteh – Chairman, North-West Region
- Mohamed O. Fofanah – Chairman, North-East Region
- Mustapha Sesay – Chairman, Southern Region
- Hassan Rogers – Chairman, Eastern Region
- Abass Kargbo – Chairman, Western Region

The newly constituted body has been mandated to organize, coordinate, and promote wrestling activities in all regions of Sierra Leone. Their responsibilities include talent identification, athlete development, training of coaches and referees, organization of competitions, and ensuring that wrestling gains greater visibility and participation across the country.

Speaking at the congress, stakeholders emphasized the need for unity, transparency, and strategic planning to reposition wrestling as one of the leading sports in Sierra Leone. The new executive is expected to work closely with the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Authority, United World Wrestling, and development partners to attract sponsorship, improve facilities, and create opportunities for local wrestlers to compete at national and international levels.

With a blend of experienced administrators and energetic young leaders, the new SLWA executive has been widely welcomed by the wrestling fraternity. There is growing optimism that this team will usher in a new era of growth, professionalism, and success for wrestling in Sierra Leone over the next six years.

Sierra Leone Bags Silver Medal at the West African Wrestling Championship in Ouidah, Benin

Sierra Leone made a proud impression on the regional stage as national wrestler Massah Jalloh secured a silver medal at the maiden West African Wrestling Championships held in Ouidah, Benin from 22nd to 30th November 2025. Competing in the 76kg Women’s Wrestling category, Jalloh delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, showcasing skill, determination, and resilience.

Jalloh advanced to the final after a series of impressive bouts, demonstrating technical competence and mental strength against some of the sub-region’s finest wrestlers. In the final, she faced a strong contender from host nation Benin. Despite a spirited and commendable effort, Jalloh narrowly missed out on gold, ultimately settling for the silver medal.

This achievement marks the second silver medal of Jalloh’s wrestling career on the continental and regional stage. Her first came in 2018, when she represented Sierra Leone at the Africa Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria, where she similarly claimed silver and made headlines as one of the country’s rising talents in the sport.

Jalloh’s latest feat not only highlights her continued growth and consistency but also serves as a significant boost for Sierra Leone’s wrestling community. Her success has been celebrated as an inspiration to young athletes, especially women, who aspire to compete in and elevate the sport.

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association has praised her efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting athletes as they prepare for future competitions.

Massah Jalloh’s silver-winning performance in Benin stands as another proud moment for Sierra Leone on the international sporting stage.

*Sierra Leone Wrestling Association Concludes Nationwide Tour to Strengthen Wrestling Sport*

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) has successfully completed its nationwide tour under the Development of National Sport Systems (DNSS) program, after engaging all targeted four regional headquarter towns across the country.

The tour began in Port Loko (Northwest Region), continued in Makeni (Northeast Region), and was followed by visits to Bo (Southern Region) and Kenema (Eastern Region), which were successfully concluded yesterday. This morning, the Wrestling delegation returned to Freetown, marking the completion of a historic mission to lay the foundation for the forthcoming visit of an international wrestling expert in October and December.

Throughout the tour, the Association engaged with regional sporting authorities, athletes, and community stakeholders, building awareness and laying the groundwork for stronger structures to support the growth of wrestling nationwide.

Members of the SLWA delegation hailed the exercise as a landmark achievement, noting that the warm receptions across all four targeted regions demonstrate Sierra Leone’s readiness to embrace wrestling as a unifying and competitive sport.

The DNSS initiative, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW), is expected to further empower the Association by improving administration, technical capacity, and grassroots participation in wrestling.

The SLWA reaffirmed its commitment to decentralizing sports development, ensuring opportunities for young athletes across Sierra Leone, and preparing the nation to maximize the benefits of the upcoming expert’s visit.

Sierra Leone Wrestling Association Embarks on Nationwide Tour to Strengthen Wrestling Sport

In a bid to strengthen Wrestling Sport across Sierra Leone under the framework of the Development of National Sport Systems (DNSS), the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) has announced the commencement of a nationwide regional tour. The initiative is designed to lay the foundation and prepare the groundwork for the upcoming visit of an international wrestling expert scheduled for October and December this year.

The nationwide tour will take the Wrestling Association to all five regional headquarter towns, beginning with Port Loko in the Northwest Region. From there, the team will proceed to Makeni in the Northeast Region, then move on to Bo in the Southern Region, Kenema in the Eastern Region and finally conclude in Freetown in the Western Region.

According to the Association, the tour is a crucial first step in ensuring that structures are put in place to fully benefit from the DNSS program, which is supported by Olympic Solidarity. During the visits, the SLWA will engage with regional sporting authorities, community leaders, young athletes, and other stakeholders to create awareness, build local capacity, and set up systems that will ensure sustainable wrestling development nationwide.

The DNSS initiative is a globally recognized program of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United World Wrestling (UWW), designed to assist national federations in strengthening their administrative, technical, and grassroots structures. Sierra Leone’s inclusion in this program marks a significant milestone in the growth of wrestling in the country.

Speaking on the importance of the tour, Assistant Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association Bai Bangura highlighted that wrestling has the potential to unite communities, create opportunities for young people, and showcase Sierra Leone on the international sporting stage. The groundwork being laid during this tour will ensure that when the expert arrives later this year, the Association is well-prepared to maximize the benefits of their technical guidance and training programs.

The tour also represents a wider effort to decentralize sports development in Sierra Leone, ensuring that young athletes outside of Freetown have access to the same opportunities and exposure as their peers in the capital.

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association is calling on all stakeholders, including regional and district sports councils, schools, clubs, and the general public, to support this historic tour and contribute to building a strong future for wrestling in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Wrestling Delegation Departs for UWW Senior African Championship in Morocco

A three-man delegation from the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association departed Freetown this morning aboard an Air Maroc flight to Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 United World Wrestling (UWW) Senior African Championship scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 5.

The delegation, which includes two athletes and one coach, will be participating in a high-level, week-long training camp organized by UWW in collaboration with the Moroccan Wrestling Federation. The training camp, running from April 20 to 27, will serve as a vital preparatory platform for participating wrestlers across the continent, aiming to sharpen their skills and enhance their performance ahead of the main competition.

Representing Sierra Leone in the championship are Foday Kargbo, who will compete in the 74kg Freestyle category, and Sulaiman Kargbo, who will contend in the 65kg Freestyle category. Both athletes will be under the guidance of national team coach Abdul Rahman Sesay.

The Sierra Leonean trio will join their compatriots from the United States comprising one athlete (Alfred Daniel 79Kg Freestyle) and two American coaches directly in Casablanca, where the full team will converge to fly the Green, White, and Blue on the continental stage.

The UWW Senior African Championship is one of Africa’s most prestigious wrestling competitions, featuring elite athletes from across the continent. For Sierra Leone, this tournament not only represents an opportunity for international exposure but also serves as a testament to the country’s growing commitment to developing the sport of wrestling.

Coach Abdul Rahman Sesay expressed optimism about the team’s readiness, noting that the preparatory camp will be instrumental in refining techniques and building momentum. “We are proud to represent Sierra Leone, and we’re going with determination and hope to make a strong impression in Casablanca,” he said.

The participation of both home-based and diaspora athletes reflects a growing synergy within Sierra Leone’s wrestling community, aiming to harness local talent while leveraging international experience.

As the team embarks on this important journey, they carry with them the aspirations of a nation eager to see them compete and excel at the highest level of African wrestling.

Sierra Leone Wrestling Team Returns Home After Impressive Performance at 13th ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament

The Sierra Leone wrestling team has returned home after a strong showing at the 13th ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from March 6 to 10, 2025. The team delivered an impressive performance, securing second place at the country level in a tough group alongside Nigeria and Ghana.

At the individual level, Sierra Leone’s Foday Kargbo put up a commendable fight, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 86Kg Category. Kargbo showcased his strength and skill in the qualifying round, defeating Guinea, but his journey was halted in the quarterfinals with a loss to a formidable opponent from Benin.

Speaking on the team’s performance, the head coach Ibrahim Sorie Keita expressed pride in the wrestlers’ achievements, emphasizing their dedication and resilience in competing against some of the best wrestlers in West Africa. The coach also highlighted the tournament as a valuable learning experience that will help shape the future of traditional wrestling in Sierra Leone.

Fans and supporters have welcomed the team back with high praise, celebrating their efforts in raising Sierra Leone’s flag high on the regional stage. The wrestlers remain motivated and are already looking ahead to future competitions, determined to build on their success and bring home even greater honors.

*Sierra Leone Wrestling Team Departs for 13th ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament in Abuja*

A delegation from the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association has departed Freetown for Abuja, Nigeria, to participate in the 13th ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament. The highly anticipated competition is set to take place from March 6 to 10, 2025, bringing together top traditional wrestlers from across the West African region.

The Sierra Leonean team comprises four skilled wrestlers (3 men and a woman) and one coach, all determined to make a strong impact at the tournament. This event serves as a platform for promoting cultural heritage and strengthening regional unity through the sport of traditional wrestling.

Speaking before departure, Coach Ibrahim Sorie Keita expressed confidence in the wrestlers’ ability to compete at a high level and bring pride to Sierra Leone. The tournament will see participants from multiple ECOWAS member states showcasing their wrestling prowess in a contest of strength, skill, and endurance.

The participating athletes are Massah Jalloh who will be battling in the women’s 76Kg category, Foday Kargbo in the Men’s 86Kg category, Alfred Samba in the Men’s 96Kg category and Mohamed Kanu in the Men’s 120Kg category.

Sierra Leone’s participation in this prestigious event underscores the country’s commitment to developing traditional wrestling and gaining recognition on the international stage. Fans back home will be eagerly following the team’s progress as they take on some of the best wrestlers in West Africa.

US Based Sierra Leonean Wrestler Gabriel McDuffie Donates Wrestling Equipment to Sierra Leone Wrestling Association

In a heartfelt gesture reflecting his deepening connection to Sierra Leone, Gabriel McDuffie, a US-based wrestler of Sierra Leonean descent, has donated essential wrestling equipment to the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA). The donation, which included 18 singlets and 10 pairs of wrestling shoes, underscores McDuffie’s commitment to fostering the growth of the sport in the country.

The symbolic handover ceremony was held at the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone Headquarters in Freetown, where McDuffie via zoom platform expressed his pride in reconnecting with his ancestral roots and his dedication to empowering young athletes in Sierra Leone. “This is just the beginning. Wrestling has given me so much, and I want to share those opportunities with the next generation of wrestlers here in Sierra Leone,” he stated during the event.

McDuffie’s journey to rediscover his heritage has been an emotional one. After recently tracing his lineage back to Sierra Leone, he has embraced his newfound identity with enthusiasm and pride. Determined to honor his ancestry, McDuffie has pledged to represent Sierra Leone on the international stage.

The wrestler’s debut for Sierra Leone is set to be at the 2025 African Wrestling Championships, which will take place in Casablanca, Morocco, from April 29 to May 4, 2025. Competing under the Sierra Leonean flag, McDuffie hopes to not only secure victories but also inspire local athletes to dream bigger and aim higher in the sport.

The SLWA President Mr. Prince Sualley has lauded McDuffie’s donation as a significant boost for the sport in the country, which has historically struggled with inadequate resources and limited international representation. “This is a milestone moment for Sierra Leone wrestling. Gabriel’s support will help nurture talent and raise the profile of our sport,” President Sualley said.

The donated equipment is expected to benefit upcoming wrestlers across the nation, providing them with professional gear to enhance their training and competitiveness.

McDuffie’s upcoming debut at the African Wrestling Championships promises to be a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s presence in international wrestling. As he gears up for the competition, McDuffie has expressed hopes of visiting the country frequently and continuing to support its wrestling programs through mentorship and further donations.

This donation is not just about sports but also a testament to the power of heritage and the enduring ties that connect the diaspora to their roots. McDuffie’s actions are already inspiring a new wave of pride and optimism for the future of wrestling in Sierra Leone.

*UPDATE FROM WRESTLING AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN TUNISIA*

After losing out on the Gold Medal last night to Egypt's 🇪🇬 Haithem Mahmoud Ahmed Fahmy in the 60Kg Greco-Roman category. The Silver medalist Ibrahim Bunduka from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 will this morning wrestle in the 61Kg Freestyle category against Seitonkuma Richards of Nigeria 🇳🇬 in the Quarter Finals.

In the 70Kg Freestyle category Mamudu Mohamed Marah from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 will also wrestle against Sylvio Siyewoutima Diatta of Senegal 🇸🇳 in the Qualifications Round.

Stay Tuned as we bring u more updates.

©️ Sierra Leone Wrestling Media

The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association gives its unwavering support to our President Mr. Prince Sualley who is vying for the Presidency of The National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE). We wish him all the best and success ahead