Published: July 28, 2025
MONROVIA — Deputy Youth and Sports Minister G. Andy Quamie has called for an end to the deepening factionalism within Liberian football, urging stakeholders to put aside personal rivalries and rally behind the current leadership of the Liberia Football Association (LFA).
Quamie appealed Saturday during the closing ceremony of the CAF A License coaching course at the LFA headquarters in Monrovia. His remarks pointed out how political infighting continues to hinder the sport’s growth.
“If Andy Quamie is friendly with Raji today, the Cassell Kuoh people will fight you. And if you say hello to Cassell Kuoh today, the Raji people will slap you. It distracts us,” he said, referencing the tense camps surrounding current LFA President Mustapha Raji and former executive Cassell Kuoh.
“Today, Mustapha Raji is the president of the Liberia Football Association. When your time is up, you can come. Until then, let’s try to respect him,” he added.
While calling for unity, Quamie, who is also CEO of First Division side Watanga FC, faced harsh criticism from some observers, who questioned his moral authority to promote peace. They described him as the “wrong messenger,” citing his active role in past power struggles within the LFA.
Quamie previously led a fierce campaign against former LFA President Izetta Wesley, a battle that ultimately resulted in her being ousted and replaced by Musa Hassan Bility, then president of Watanga FC. Both Quamie and Raji were prominent figures in that political realignment — a fact that continues to color perceptions of his current calls for harmony.
Despite the controversy, Quamie used the occasion to refocus attention on coaching development. He urged Liberian coaches to fully seize the opportunities provided through the Confederation of African Football’s licensing programs.
“I hope those who received certification will take this as a lesson and take advantage,” he said. “Because for License A to come to Liberia again, it won’t be soon.”
He also urged coaches to seek international exposure in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where football development systems are more advanced.
The CAF A License course took place from May 26 to July 25, ending with a graduation ceremony for 15 coaches — 11 from Liberia, three from The Gambia, and one from Zambia. The training was conducted by CAF Elite Instructor Selam Kebede, who also serves as head coach of the Liberia women’s national football team.
The program aims to raise domestic coaching standards in line with CAF benchmarks and strengthen technical capacity across the continent.
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