MONROVIA – Sudanese football giants Al Hilal Omdurman have mutually terminated the contract of Liberian midfielder Kindness Cole, bringing an abrupt end to what was expected to be a five-year tenure at one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
By: Christopher C. Walker | 0777898224 / 0886723075 | christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
The club confirmed the decision in an official statement, thanking the 19-year-old for his commitment and professionalism during his time with the Omdurman-based side.
“We extend our sincere thanks to our Liberian player, Cole, for his time and commitment to our club. We announce that the contract between both parties has been mutually terminated, and we wish him every success in the next chapter of his career,” Al Hilal stated.
Cole joined the Sudanese powerhouse ahead of the 2025/2026 season on a contract that was due to run until 2030.
Despite spending only one season with the club, he departs as a league champion after helping Al Hilal clinch the Rwanda Premier League title where the club has been temporarily competing due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The former Mighty Barrolle midfielder featured in 18 league matches, scoring once and registering three assists during Al Hilal’s title-winning campaign. His performances earned praise from supporters, many of whom regarded him as one of the club’s brightest young foreign prospects.
Contradictions and Controversy
However, the sudden termination has sparked intense speculation over what led to the premature end of his contract.
Reports from both Sudan and Liberia suggest Cole’s departure followed an unauthorized appearance for his former club, Mighty Barrolle, in a preseason friendly against Des Moines United in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, while he was still under active contract with Al Hilal.
Cole not only featured in the match but also captained the Liberian club.
Neither Al Hilal nor Cole has officially confirmed whether the friendly match appearance was the direct cause of the contract termination.
However, sources familiar with the matter believe the incident played a significant role in the club’s decision to part ways with the midfielder.
Fan Backlash
The development has triggered widespread debate among Al Hilal supporters, many of whom questioned why the club administration allowed a productive young midfielder to leave despite his contributions to their successful campaign.
Supporters flooded the club’s social media pages with messages expressing disappointment, with several arguing that Cole deserved more opportunities rather than an early exit.
“You will regret it one day,” one supporter wrote. “He is physically strong, very skillful, and tactically flexible. He can play in several positions.”Another fan suggested that a loan move would have been a more sensible solution:
“He is still young and has a bright future. It would have been better to loan him out instead of terminating his contract.”
Others criticized the club’s hierarchy, calling for underperforming foreign players to be released instead of Cole, whom they believe had proven his value during the championship season.
The player’s departure also impacts the club’s growing Liberian fanbase. One local supporter commented:
“I actually followed your page because of Kindness. Now that he is no longer with your club, I also say goodbye. Thank you for giving him the international platform, and I wish him and the club continued success.”
The outpouring of reactions underscores the high regard in which many Al Hilal supporters held the Liberian international despite his brief spell at the club.
Now a free agent, Cole is expected to attract interest from clubs across Africa and beyond after a season that yielded league silverware and valuable continental exposure. While his next destination remains uncertain, his sudden exit has become one of the most talked-about transfer stories involving a Liberian footballer this offseason.
