Published: June 26, 2026
MONROVIA — Matthew W. Joe, a Liberian amputee striker playing professionally in Turkey, will lead the national team into the 2026 Amputee World Cup after being named captain by the sport’s new leadership.
The Liberia Amputee Football and Sports Association announced the appointment Thursday, the first major decision from a leadership headed by newly elected President Jonathon Wehyee. The association said Joe will guide the team on and off the field through training camps and international competitions ahead of the World Cup.
“LAFASA believes the appointment reflects Joe’s years of dedication, discipline, leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the growth of amputee football in Liberia,” the association said in a statement.
Joe, who plays for Turkish club Pendikspor, is among Liberia’s most accomplished amputee footballers. He finished as top scorer at the 2021 Amputee Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania, helping Liberia reach the final before a loss to Ghana.
He will work with a newly constituted technical team led by Technical Director Boye Johnson, who has been tasked with coaching development, technical planning and player development for the national teams.
The captaincy is part of a wider set of administrative and technical changes LAFASA says are meant to strengthen its structures and field a more competitive program. Under the new structure, Marie Wonder Gayflor has been named First Vice President for Female Affairs and Patricia Curtis Amoah will serve as Assistant Treasurer for Female Affairs, both posts aimed at developing women’s amputee football.
“The new leadership is committed to building an inclusive, disciplined and competitive program for both male and female amputee athletes,” the association said. “These appointments demonstrate our determination to strengthen the foundation of amputee football in Liberia as we prepare to represent the nation on the world stage.”
The Liberia Women’s Amputee National Team, meanwhile, has begun intensive training in Paynesville as part of efforts to widen participation, improve athlete welfare and raise competitiveness for future international competitions.
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