By Danesius Marteh
Mohammed Bamba delivered a New Year’s Day message nobody in Cece United expected.
In a resignation letter to board chairman Sekou Konneh, which was published on his Facebook page on 9 February, Bamba said it was necessary to clarify and caution the youth against the political opportunism and sycophancy that continue to undermine professional environments.
Bamba said he had to quit due to irreconcilable differences regarding the club’s strategic direction, governance and management.
“Over the past several months, I have faced repeated attempts by the CEO, Mr. Pawala Janyan—influenced by LFA President Mustapha Raji—to censor my public advocacy regarding critical issues in Liberian football.
“This censorship appears designed to protect Mr. Raji’s third-term bid and ensure Mr. Janyan’s re-election to the LFA executive committee.
“I view Mr. Janyan’s actions as duplicitous, as he has demonstrated a pattern of public alignment with Mr. Raji while privately engaging with his political opponents,” said Bamba.
He stressed that such opportunism is an affront to his personal integrity and the values of the institution he represents.
Bamba said advocating for reform is essential for the betterment of football while prioritizing his principles but needed to step down since his stance jeopardizes Pawala’s political interests.
“Furthermore, I have been informed that a pending partnership between the LISCR Registry and our club is contingent upon my departure.
“It is my understanding that this condition stems solely from my critical stance on football governance. This situation has seemingly precipitated Mr. Janyan’s recent unilateral assumption of the presidency.
“By acting without consulting the board or the established leadership, Mr. Janyan has demonstrated a profound lack of professionalism and a total disregard for institutional protocols,” he added.
Bamba believes it was prudent to step aside to ensure the club’s stability and prevent a leadership crisis that could jeopardize their collective progress.
He took great pride in the work accomplished since he joined as a strategic team member in 2021 after being convinced by Elizabeth Mega Nyandibo as a way of fulfilling the passionate dream of the late Vallai M. Dorley, later promoted as vice president for administration in 2021, acting president in 2022 and subsequently as president in 2023.
“My leadership followed Mr. Janyan’s two-year absence and abandonment of the team.
“During my tenure, I dedicated myself to rebuilding the leadership and assembling a new squad of young players and staff.
“Much of this was funded personally with the contributions of the vice president for operations, secretary-general, board chairman and friends after Mr. Janyan depleted over US$40,000 of the club’s coffers—funds generated from our title-winning season and sponsorships —to settle personal tuition and living expenses abroad.
“Despite these challenges, I am confident that the current project honors the legacy of Cece United and remains a formidable contender for future success.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served this institution over the last five years. While I am stepping down as president, I remain a committed shareholder and fan, and I stand ready to fulfill my responsibilities in that capacity,” concluded Bamba.
Pawala hasn’t responded to the letter, especially the accusation of depleting over US$40,000 of the club’s coffers while pursuing a master’s degree in information technology.
In an interview with Verity on 9 February, Prof. Konneh thanked Bamba for his contributions and wished him well in future endeavors.
My analysis
Pawala was elected an executive committee member of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) in April 2018 for a four-year term and reelected in April 2022.
During a parade to launch the LFA-Lone Star Cell MTN Momo Community
League in May 2024 in Monrovia, Pawala told me he wouldn’t seek reelection due to a clash of his loyalty between Raji and FC Fassell President Cassell Anthony Kuoh, Sr., who is aspiring to replace Raji.
According to Pawala, he didn’t want to please one and hurt another because Cassell brought him into football administration and made him vice president for public affairs while Raji continued from where Cassell stopped.
He even thanked me for recommending him to Team Raji.
Pawala promised to hold a press conference to announce his withdrawal.
But the script was rewritten when Bamba voted against the passage of the budget.
I was shocked when Bamba told me on 27 November 2025 that Pawala would seek reelection.
“I have devoted my life to football and to the players who represent Liberia’s future.
“Together, we can continue building a stronger foundation for the game and ensure that Liberian football reaches new heights,” said Janyan in an interview with sports journalist Lazalee Wanneh on 9 February.
Some Football Pundits say Bamba was right to have described Pawala as a duplicitous or double-dealing guy.
He must have chosen now who to support between Raji and Cassell.
