MONROVIA – A former Liberia national team defender and former deputy coach of the Lone Star has thrown his weight behind incumbent Mustapha Raji ahead of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) elections, urging stakeholders to prioritize institutional stability over what he termed “personality-driven politics.”
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
In a public statement released Tuesday, the former international cautioned against reducing the upcoming polls to individual rivalries.
He emphasized that while both Raji and challenger Cassell Kuoh have made “commendable contributions” to the local game, the federation’s future depends on its direction rather than its faces.
“The upcoming LFA election should not be about personalities, but about direction,” the former defender stated.
He described both Raji and Kuoh as “distinguished characters” whose efforts have positively impacted football development in the country.
The former national team star argued that Raji represents the experience and continuity necessary for Liberia to maintain its credibility within global governing bodies like FIFA and CAF.
“While progress under his leadership has not been perfect particularly in communication and on-field results stability has been preserved and key structures remain intact,” the statement noted.
Conversely, the former coach acknowledged the momentum behind Cassell Kuoh, praising him for championing a reform agenda that resonates with frustrated local stakeholders.
“Cassell Kuoh brings a strong reform message and speaks to real concerns within the football community,” the defender admitted.
However, he warned that managing a national federation requires more than just urgency. “Federation leadership demands deep institutional knowledge and careful navigation of international football politics.”
Ultimately, the former Lone Star stalwart declared his formal support for Raji, framing the choice as a matter of pragmatism over blind loyalty.
“I support Mustapha Raji not because the system is flawless, but because strengthening what exists is wiser than risking disruption,” the statement read. “Reform is necessary, but it must be measured, responsible, and grounded in experience.”
As the LFA elections draw closer, this endorsement adds a significant voice to the debate over whether the football house should opt for a change in leadership or stick with the status quo to ensure administrative consistency.
