March 3 – The sensitivity within individual federations over this month’s Confederation of African Football presidency has been further underlined with Sierra Leone Football Association President Isha Johansen ordering an immediate enquiry into media reports credited to her Director of Competitions Sorey Ibrahim Sesay that she would not be voting for Madagascan challenger Ahmad Ahmad.
Johansen is understood to be incensed that Sesay made such a pronouncement on behalf of the SLFA without due consultation.
In the rare position of being a female head of a federation, Johansen has long had to fend off her critics and says this is not the first time her Director of Competitions has granted unauthorised interviews.
“I never granted an interview to anyone as to what direction we are taking in any of the elections,” said Johansen who has not confirmed whether she will vote for Ahmad or long-standing CAF leader Issa Hayatou.
“In fact, right at this moment, I am focussed on my own candidacy for the female slot on the CAF Executive Committee and this involves me trying to further put Sierra Leone on a high pedestal in the governance of football in Africa and my protection and desire to raise the profile of the impact of women in football.”
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