Monrovia – Liberia has dispatched a 19-member football delegation to the People’s Republic of China to participate in the 2026 Village Super League, a globally recognized grassroots football initiative aimed at promoting talent development and cultural exchange.
By Christopher C. Walker [email protected]
The delegation departed the country on Monday, April 27, 2026, via Roberts International Airport (RIA) aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
The team transited in Addis Ababa before proceeding to their final destination in China.
Selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports following the recently concluded National County Sports Meet, the delegation includes players, technical staff, administrators, and media personnel, representing a broad cross-section of Liberia’s football ecosystem.
The ‘Cun Chao’ Initiative
The team will compete in the Village Super League popularly known as “Cun Chao” a community-based football tournament held in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province.
Fully sponsored by the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia, the initiative blends competitive sports with cultural engagement and rural development.
Heading the delegation is Amos Kollie of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, supported by Nimba County head coach Mamadee Sheriff and Grand Cape Mount County coach Sami Kamara. OK FM Sports Editor Sylvester Tamba is also traveling with the team as part of the media contingent.
The 15 players selected for the international engagement were drawn from all 15 counties to ensure national representation:
Nimba: Clarence Mehn,Bong: Godtime Joe,Montserrado: Wahee Morgan,Maryland: Gray Elliot,Grand Cape Mount: Mohammed Kamara,Sinoe: Jerome Wleh,Lofa: Dennis Gbagbaku,Grand Kru: Wradi Wollor,River Gee: Derrick Harris,Bomi: Solomon Randall,Margibi: Jackson Horace,Grand Gedeh: Quincy Zeon,Rivercess: Samuel Brown,Grand Bassa: Enoch Cheeksanf Gbarpolu: Henry Jah
The delegation is expected to return to Liberia on May 4, 2026.
Deepening Sports Diplomacy
The departure follows renewed commitments between Liberia and China to strengthen bilateral relations through sports.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 Village Super League on Friday, April 24, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu emphasized the long-term value of collaboration in empowering youth and fostering cultural exchange.
Youth and Sports Minister Atty. Cornelia Kruah described the opportunity as a major boost for the country’s young athletes, noting that international exposure is critical for building discipline and competitiveness.
“This is a milestone for our grassroots talent,” Minister Kruah said. “Exposure to different footballing cultures is how we build the next generation of professionals.”
Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Samuel Stevquoah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and urged the players to represent the flag with pride.
Assistant Coach Sami Kamara added that the squad is mentally and physically prepared to deliver a strong performance on the international stage.
The Village Super League has gained global fame for its unique atmosphere, though its roots trace back to the 1940s when football was first introduced to Rongjiang County by students fleeing war.
Today, it stands as a significant regional phenomenon and a symbol of community-driven development.
