By: Julius Konton
Liberia’s most iconic football figure, James Salinsa Debbah, has publicly declared his full and unconditional support for the re-election bid of Mustapha Raji in the forthcoming presidential election of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), describing the incumbent administrator as a transformational leader who has repositioned Liberian football on the global stage.
On his widely circulated social media platform post, Debbah, Liberia’s most celebrated football star praised Raji’s leadership record, citing governance reforms, infrastructure expansion, and strengthened international relations as key reasons for his endorsement.
“I am not taking anything away from the other candidates, but my support is for Mustapha Raji because of what he has done, what he has accomplished, and what he continues to do,” Debbah said.
“He is putting Liberian football at a different level.”
A Sector in Transition
Liberian football, long constrained by years of civil conflict, underinvestment, and administrative instability, has undergone gradual but notable reforms over the past decade.
According to LFA records and regional football development assessments, Liberia has seen improvements in league organization, youth competitions, referee training, and basic infrastructure rehabilitation, including upgrades to match venues and administrative systems.
Under Raji’s tenure, the LFA has expanded participation across county leagues, restructured aspects of its domestic competitions, and re-engaged international partners developments observers say are critical in a country where football remains the most popular sport and a major youth engagement tool.
Debbah emphasized that infrastructure development has been a defining feature of the current administration.
“My support is also based on the infrastructure boost within the sector and other structures put in place. These things are working, and they are very impressive,” he noted.
Global Leverage and FIFA Relations
A central pillar of Debbah’s endorsement is Raji’s relationship with the global football hierarchy, particularly FIFA, which plays a decisive role in funding, governance oversight, and development programming for national associations.
“He has close proximity to the power structure of FIFA, and that gives Liberia leverage,” Debbah said.
“We need to understand how important that is”, he re-emphasized.
FIFA development grants, which across Africa often run into millions of US dollars annually, support infrastructure projects, technical training, women’s football, and youth development.
Analysts argue that maintaining credibility and access at the global level is essential for smaller football nations like Liberia.
From Critic to Supporter
In a candid reflection, Debbah revealed that his endorsement was not automatic.
He disclosed that he was once among Raji’s strongest critics, particularly over concerns that the LFA was being run without sufficient technical consultation.
“My critique was that he was running football unilaterally,” Debbah said.
“I told him that to succeed, he needed to surround himself with people who understand the technical side of the game and who are in tune with contemporary football.”
According to Debbah, that criticism triggered a pivotal moment.
“To my surprise, I got a call from him late at night. We met, talked for over an hour, and he told me my advice was legitimate,” Debbah recounted.
“He asked what needed to be done, listened carefully, and implemented everything we discussed.”
Leadership Style and Consensus Building
What ultimately convinced the former national team star , Debbah explained, was not just policy outcomes but leadership character.
“What motivated me was his humanity.
He is humble, and he listens,” Debbah said.
Governance experts often note that consensus-building and stakeholder inclusion are key success factors in sports administration, particularly in post-conflict societies where institutions are still consolidating.
As the LFA election approaches, Debbah’s endorsement is expected to carry significant symbolic weight, particularly among former players, youth academies, and football stakeholders who view him as a moral authority within the game.
“We are seeing improvements,” Debbah concluded.
“My support is for Mustapha Raji, today, tomorrow, and any day, one hundred percent.”
