MONROVIA –Elvis H. Sirleaf has formally entered the fray to contest the Liberia Football Association executive committee position in the upcoming May 15 election.
By: Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
Sirleaf’s entry transforms an already crowded field of aspirants vying for influence at the “Football House.” While some observers have characterized his late submission as a delay, Sirleaf framed the move as a calculated, “strategic” decision born from decades of observing the game’s inner workings from the sidelines.
“Those who know me understand why I had to wait until my fifth election while remaining actively involved in football before contesting a seat,” Sirleaf noted, signaling that his candidacy is the culmination of a 20-year apprenticeship in the sport.
From Stakeholder to Decision-Maker
With 16 years of active administration under his belt, Sirleaf is positioning himself as an “insider-outsider” a man who knows the system but wants to move into its “nucleus” to force change.
His pitch to the electorate centers on a platform of “integrity and firmness,” specifically targeting three pillars of the Liberian game.
He said he wants to bring a “firm hand” to governance while Leveraging his experience in community leagues and continuing a decade-long track record of advocacy.
The Samira FC Factor
Sirleaf’s strongest credential remains Samira Football Club, the Sinkor-based institution he co-founded in 2010. What started in the community leagues has evolved into a stable LFA Second Division side, serving as a blueprint for Sirleaf’s “holistic” approach to development.
“We have consistently supported the dreams and aspirations of many young footballers,” Sirleaf said. “Samira FC provides opportunities for players to develop their skills while also contributing to their formal and informal education, as well as their overall livelihood.”
He emphasized that his commitment to the club remains a “long-term mission” regardless of whether he secures a seat on the Executive Committee.
With the LFA preparing for a transition, Sirleaf’s candidacy is expected to resonate with voters who are weary of administrative turnover and are seeking candidates with proven “stewardship” over clubs and youth programs.
“I am seeking an opportunity to continue serving from a position of stewardship,” he declared. “A position where I can help shape the future of football not only for Samira FC but for Liberian football as a whole.”
