Danesius Marteh,
Leaked messages from a women’s football stakeholders’ chat room on WhatsApp speak to concerns and frustrations directed to the Liberia Football Association (LFA) over delays in benefiting from a donation by the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA).
LFA President Mustapha Ishola Raji and LiMA chief executive officer Neto Zarzar Lighe signed a landmark US$250,000 partnership agreement at LiMA headquarters in Congo Town on 10 February.
The deal has been described as a significant advancement for football development and operational activities of the national team from LiMA’s corporate social responsibility.
But women’s football stakeholders are yet to feel the impact of that money more than two months later.
“Good morning family, it’s almost 4 months since we got the money from maritime and we all agreed at the congress that the money was going to be distributed to clubs.
“Until now we are yet to get updates on it and we are a week to the end of the season with salaries on our heads to be paid…I think this is the very good time for us to get this money,” wrote Real Muja President DGeorges Manubah.
He was supported by Small Town President Melton Yoko, an ally of Raji, who is also chairman of Montserrado County sub-association of the LFA.
“I support this, Mr. Chairman of this [women’s football clubs] association. You need to do the needful now. Talk to your people. It is good we get something now,” Yoko buttressed.
LFA deputy secretary-general Mohammed Sheriff assured the stakeholders that all will be good.
“Good morning, all shall fall in place in the soonest. Other backroom formalities are being concluded,” Sheriff wrote.
And LFA executive committee member Jlateh Sayor also promised that payment will soon be made.
“I am sure this will be handled asap [as soon as possible] because the EC [executive committee] made a decision in its last meeting as it relates to this,” wrote Cllr. Sayor.
At the ceremony, Cllr. Lighe described the partnership as a strategic investment in Liberia’s football development.
“This investment of US$250,000 into our national football is a direct commitment to unlocking the potential of our young people.
“Through our partnership with the LFA, we are not only fostering football development but also creating a vital platform for empowerment, discipline, and national pride.
“Our aim is to ensure that the success of Liberia’s maritime program translates into real opportunities for every young Liberian, both on and off the pitch,” he stated.
And Raji said the funds will be directed towards enhancing football development programs for young boys and girls.
“This is a groundbreaking contribution from a government organization.
“We assure the public and our partners that this US$250,000 will be utilized transparently and accountably, ensuring that our footballing talent continues to reach its highest potential,” he explained.
The women’s upper division league ends on 26 April.
There is a Liberian parable, which says “dry dog is sweet”.
But what will women’s football stakeholders be eating before the dog is dried and seasoned for consumption as some owe players, including Yoko, who owes Small Town at least two months.
