By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Orange Sierra Leone has entered into a landmark sponsorship agreement worth more than NLe 2.8 million with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) to support the country’s premier knockout football competition. The deal will see the 2026 FA Cup officially branded as the Orange FA Cup 2026, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization and development of football in Sierra Leone.
The sponsorship agreement was formally signed on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Orange Digital Centre on Hill Station in Freetown. The partnership represents the first time in the history of Sierra Leone football that a major corporate institution has secured title sponsorship rights for the FA Cup, signaling growing private sector interest and investment in the country’s football industry.
Under the agreement, Orange Sierra Leone will serve as the exclusive title sponsor of the competition, with full branding rights across the tournament. This includes the sponsorship of the prestigious Man of the Match award and visibility across various FA Cup platforms and match-day activities.
Beyond financial sponsorship, the partnership introduces several technological and operational improvements aimed at strengthening the administrative and digital capacity of the SLFA. As part of the agreement, Orange Sierra Leone will provide Closed User Group (CUG) mobile packages for SLFA staff to facilitate more efficient internal communication within the football governing body.
In addition, the telecommunications company will install a 60 Mbps high-speed fibre internet connection at the SLFA headquarters in Kingtom. That initiative is expected to enhance the Association’s digital operations, communication systems and overall efficiency in managing football activities nationwide.
The partnership will also introduce innovative digital services and fan engagement initiatives tailored specifically for football supporters. A key component of the agreement is the integration of Orange Money into the FA Cup ecosystem. Through this system, ticket sales, player bonuses and other tournament-related payments will be processed electronically, promoting secure and efficient cashless transactions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aïcha Touré, described the agreement as a major milestone for both the company and football development in the country. She noted that football remains one of the most powerful platforms for unity and youth empowerment.
According to her, Orange Sierra Leone views the partnership as more than just a sponsorship arrangement, emphasizing that it reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting sports development, nurturing young talent and strengthening grassroots football initiatives across the country.
SLFA President, Babadi Kamara, welcomed the partnership and described it as the beginning of what he hopes will become a long-term collaboration between the football Association and the private sector. He highlighted that the FA Cup remains the most inclusive football competition in Sierra Leone, bringing together clubs from chiefdom, district, regional and national levels.
Babadi Kamara further noted that the agreement demonstrates growing confidence in the administration of football in Sierra Leone and will create new opportunities for clubs, players and football stakeholders nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Dr. Abdulrahman Swaray, described the sponsorship as a significant boost for the country’s sports sector. He commended Orange Sierra Leone for demonstrating strong corporate commitment to the development of football.
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, also praised the telecommunications company for its investment, noting that corporate partnerships play a crucial role in advancing sports development, empowering young people and promoting national unity.
The Orange FA Cup 2026 is expected to feature clubs from across Sierra Leone in a nationwide tournament designed to strengthen grassroots football and provide a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities.
Sports stakeholders believe the sponsorship represents a major boost for the game and reflects the increasing role of corporate partnerships in supporting football development and promoting national progress.
