‘I have carried it as far as I am willing’: Martin Massiah on his resignation as Fruta Conquerors President

Martin Massiah has broken his silence on his immediate resignation as President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club, telling News Room Sport that while he is proud of the rapid transformation achieved at the Tucville-based side, the next phase of the club’s growth requires a “different set of forces.”

The 31-year-old marketing strategist, who became one of the youngest presidents in Elite League history in January 2025, formally tendered his resignation on Friday.

When asked by News Room Sport about the timing of his departure, Massiah pointed to the personal and professional toll of the “transformational pursuit” he led over the last year.

“When I began my tenure at Fruta Conquerors, it was with a conviction that stability could be restored and that young people and footballers deserved a space to thrive,” Massiah said.

“Nobody would have predicted how much we’ve been able to achieve in such a short time. I invested my time, energy, and personal resources in that pursuit.”

He continued: “Stepping aside now reflects a simple truth. I have carried the organisation as far as I am willing to… and the next chapter requires a different set of forces to move it further.”

Massiah’s tenure, though lasting just under a year, was characterised by a push to professionalise the club’s commercial and administrative structures.

On the ground, his team oversaw significant infrastructure works at the Tucville Ground, including sand-filling to improve the playing surface and installing a solar-powered security system to protect club assets.

Off the pitch, the club modernised its digital presence and launched its first-ever official fan merchandise line.

Massiah was also a key figure in the development of the women’s game, leading the club through the inaugural Women’s Division One League Draft.

In his formal notice to the Executive Committee, Massiah confirmed that Vice President Mark DeFreitas will assume leadership responsibilities immediately. DeFreitas, a seasoned civil engineer, was one of the “great leaders” Massiah credited for the club’s recent successes.

“Fruta Conquerors is off to a great start and in a few more years under bold leadership, the transformation that I started will be complete,” Massiah noted.

RESIGNATION LETTER: 

January 16, 2026

To the Executive Committee,

Fruta Conquerors Football Club

Georgetown, Guyana

Dear Members of the Executive Committee,

RE: Formal Notice of Resignation – President

I, Martin Massiah, hereby formally tender my resignation from the position of President of Fruta Conquerors Football Club, effective immediately, January 16, 2026.

This decision has been taken after careful reflection and with full respect to the legacy and future of Fruta Conquerors Football Club. It has been an honour to serve the Club and to work alongside the technical staff, players, supporters, and our valued partners.

Over the past +11 months of service, meaningful work was undertaken to strengthen the Club’s technical environment, administrative structure, commercial posture, and competitive identity.

Notable achievements during this period included:

• Securing title sponsorship with Fruta & Guyana Beverages Inc.
• Initiating infrastructure improvements at the Tucville Ground, including sand-filling works and the restoration of near-field washroom facilities to enhance operational readiness
• Installing a solar-powered security system to safeguard Club assets and facilities

• Launching an official fan merchandise line
• Modernising digital communications and establishing a refreshed Club media presence
• Expanding leadership capacity through participation in CONCACAF programmes
• Leading FCFC’s recruitment during the first-ever Women’s Division One League Draft

I also wish to recognize the Fruta Conquerors Women’s Division for their commendable performance and progression during the 2025 GFF Women’s Division One League & Cup.

Likewise, I acknowledge the hard work and resilience of our Senior Men’s Team throughout the Elite League season.

Vice President Mr. Mark DeFreitas will assume leadership responsibilities in my absence. I believe this is the appropriate moment to allow new leadership to guide the next phase of the Club’s evolution.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all who supported the Club’s work throughout my tenure and I wish the Fruta Conquerors Football Club continued success.

Regards,

……………………….

Martin Massiah

Outgoing President

Fruta Conquerors Football Club