British Coach Hopeful Of Liberian Star, Cephas

Richmond Kickers manager says Liberian National team star has the potential to go professional.

By: Observer Staff Writer, Hassan Kiawu

The British manager of America’s top second division side, Richmond Kickers has spoken highly of the playing ability of Liberian international, McColm Cephas, saying he looks forward to seeing him play for top European clubs including Manchester United.
 

Leigh Calishor said despite being a young player, Cephas has extra ordinary ability and possesses some of the qualities that will boost his chances with any club. “He’s got blazing speed and has eyes for goals”, he said. He added further “as we all know, if someone is going to put the ball at the back of the net on a regular basis, he’s going to get the attention of bigger and better teams”.

The Coach is hopeful that Cephas would be given the opportunity to show off his talent as he did during last season more especially in the match against MLS giant DC United when the player scored both goals as his side won 2-1.  ‘All we need to do is to put the ball to his feet so that he can turn and face any defender”.

Cephas has been causing a real stir in America since he came on during the season. He had earlier opted to complete his studies at Virginia Commonwealth College where he hopes to graduate this year.

Last season, the player scored 15 goals and was in the running for the Rookie of the year award.

The coach said that with the good work ethics and superb performances, the player has developed and sharpen up his skills.
“Cephas is a fine Example for Liberia and I have watched him develop over the years in College. He has some individual flair. But he certainly has no eagle, he worked extremely hard, he has a great passion for the game and above all, he’s a team player”, he noted.

Late last year, the player made two appearances for his country’s national side, the Lone Star in the joint World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifiers away to Zambia and at home against West African powerhouse, Senegal.

Although he did not scored in the 3-0 drabbing, the fact that Cephas created enormous havoc for his opponents, gave him plenty of publicity and many Liberians as well as his American followers were fascinated by his performance for his country.

Cephas had left Liberia in 2000 on scholarship to play for Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, America’s largest black College and the Alma Mater of the late American Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King Jr. There, he made a name for himself in the collegiate league with his superb performances.

Before coming to America, he played for top Liberian club side, Invincible Eleven, the former club of the 1995 World, European and African footballer of the Year, George Weah.

The player hopes to be scouted by top clubs during the pre-season build-up to make his presence felt once the MLS’ 11th season got underway on 2nd April.