Our national soccer team, the Lonestar has been involved
in the football cycle for some times now, but to no avail has the Red,
White and Blue outfit deliver a single recognized trophy to their
loyalists.
Mali 2002 African Cup of Nations marks
the last tournament we can imagine the Lone star participating in. more
disgustingly, the “George Weah Eleven” didn't amount to the knockout
phase of the tournament after they drew their first two games against
Host Mali and Algeria then later on lost to the continental heavyweight,
Nigeria's Super Eagles.
A failed attempt at the
1996 tournament in South Africa preceded that, where Lone Star crashed
out despite an opening win over Gabon. A Roger Lukaku penalty and Liombi
Essende's goal Condemned Liberia to a 2-0 defeat and ensured Lone Star
finished bottom of the group on goal difference with all three teams in
Group C tied on three points.
Since the
departure of the “George Weah Eleven” we have struggle to create a
stable National team with winning mentality. Foreign coaches, local
coaches, foreign based players and Local players have all failed in this
direction.
Thanks to the current coach James
Debbah and his boys for their latest efforts. They tried stealing the
show from the “George Weah Eleven”, but failed to keep smile on the
faces of their loyal supporters at the dying moment.
With
keys members of the current squad already in their 30s and the Lone
Star not involved in any competition until the start of the 2019 AFCON
qualifiers, it is prudent to say building for the future is what the
country needs.
Our Hopes of using a blue ink in
African and World soccer has been dashed radically in to a deep
footballing valley, and the processes to deliver our Faith is what we
are anticipating.
CAN LIBERIA FINALLY LAND A
TROPHY? This is a shocking question that creates a state of dilemma. But
there is a belief that this dream can be turned into reality, but ONLY
IF, the Government of Liberia through the ministry of youth and sports
can put up a strong partnership with the Local football house, the LFA
in setting up a long term roadmap.
The Liberia
Football Association should be charged with the responsibility of
rightfully selecting 32 talented and tactically gifted teens from a
nationwide under 15 tournament organized by LFA to be developed. The
National County Meet currently ongoing could have also be recommended
for used, but the tournament features players that may be over-aged by
the time this development process is over.
After
such selection, programs need to be set up for the development of those
selected teens. And between the period of 6-8yrs, we expect to boost of a
national team that will provide us with trophy(ies). Within the first 6
years we will start to experience the fruits of what we sowed.
But
also remember that this goal cannot be achieved outside the concern of
the Government of Liberia. With this note, I encourage the government to
step up soccer in the terms of budgetary allocation.
Enough is enough! our national soccer team has been backward for so long, it is time we take firm actions and be made whole.
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