Monrovia – Former Liberian nationwide workforce coach and soccer legend James Debbah has accused his cousin, ex-President George Weah, of neglect and disrespect towards the household of former President Samuel Ok. Doe.
By Jaheim T. Tumu | [email protected]
Talking throughout a latest look on Punch FM’s Class Reloaded, Debbah criticized Weah for allegedly mistreating the Doe household, significantly Doe’s widow, Victoria Doe, and recalled situations the place he himself felt humiliated by the previous president throughout his time in workplace.
“He humiliated me like that too. He despatched for me, stored me ready for six hours, and in the long run, by no means noticed me,” Debbah mentioned. “Over six years, I despatched him about 15 messages he didn’t reply to even one.”
Debbah went additional, accusing Weah of failing to honor the reminiscence and contributions of President Samuel Ok. Doe, whom he credited with launching each their soccer careers.
“After the Ghana sport, Doe known as us to the Mansion and gave us US$2,000. That was a giant deal again then. And Weah might deal with Doe’s widow like that?” he requested.
Whereas Debbah has demanded recognition and gratitude from his cousin, some have questioned his personal contributions to the Doe household. Commenters on social media identified that Debbah additionally benefitted from President Doe’s assist, but has not publicly demonstrated any private assist to the household.
“James Debbah didn’t turn out to be president! However he made a number of cash from soccer, what precisely he did for the Doe’s household to criticize Weah? I’m not a Weah’s fan, however James is dare improper for criticizing him,” Clara Kujuh Mallah wrote.
Critics argue that Debbah’s latest feedback replicate private grievances relatively than principled considerations. Regardless of a profession that noticed him play for main golf equipment together with AS Monaco, PSG, Lyon, and Anderlecht, Debbah returned to Liberia financially constrained. His residence reportedly remained incomplete till 2017, a degree typically cited as proof of monetary mismanagement.
Debbah’s strained relationship with Weah dates again to the 2005 and 2011 presidential elections, throughout which he campaigned in opposition to his cousin, supporting Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and labeling Weah as “unqualified.”
“He undermined his personal cousin to curry favor with the political elite,” a commenter acknowledged on social media. “Now he needs sympathy for being ignored?”
Following Weah’s election victory in 2017, Debbah appeared to reconcile with him, taking to Fb to jot down: “We’ve buried the hatchet and made amends. The President has overtly apologized to me. It means loads. I’m optimistic that his apology is honest and I’ve embraced him with open arms. Our Lord Jesus Christ mentioned we must always forgive 70×7 occasions.”
Nonetheless, tensions resurfaced after Debbah was excluded from the 2018 official honoring ceremony for Arsène Wenger, his former coach at Monaco, who was awarded Liberia’s Order of Distinction. Debbah claimed he by no means acquired an invite to the occasion.
“I used to be by no means given an official invitation to the occasion, however I insisted and went to pay homage to the person Arsène Wenger, who gave me my break in skilled soccer. God is nice,” he acknowledged.
Since then, Debbah has as soon as once more turned important of Weah, a transfer some observers view as a continuation of long-standing resentment.
“You might be envious of the success of Weah. The each of you had the chance to excel in life however you selected the opposite approach spherical. He labored arduous for what he has achieved as we speak. So please depart Manneh alone and make your personal contribution to the Doe’s household,” Fayiah J. Borbordee posted on Fb.
Debbah’s political affiliations have additionally drawn scrutiny. He has switched alliances a number of occasions, typically supporting critics of Weah. Some commentators allege that he aligns with political actors primarily based on private profit.
“Debbah has no constant ideological base,” a commenter acknowledged. “His criticism typically mirrors whoever’s paying him in the meanwhile.”
“You’ve gotten by no means supported Weah, you noticed the person as a contender, what would you like from him? You’re an Government of the Liberty Social gathering, you’re a supporter of Nyonblee. What’s she doing for you now that they’re in energy? We haven’t seen your identify on E-Mansion,” added Aaron Kofa Chea.
In one other case of adjusting stances, Debbah beforehand criticized Liberia Soccer Affiliation (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, calling him an “Emperor” who allegedly influenced referees to favor LISCR FC. Nonetheless, Debbah now serves on the LFA’s Expertise Improvement workforce below Raji.
“He known as Raji a dictator in soccer. Now, he’s a loyal foot soldier,” a Liberian soccer official mentioned. “Political comfort at its best.”
Debbah additionally as soon as pursued elected workplace, however was unsuccessful. Analysts attributed his loss to weak grassroots assist, erratic political alliances, and credibility points.
