CAF Action
Brightens Barrolle's Hope
Mighty Barolle's president Lewis Browne
March 20, 2003
Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
Monrovia
The ejection of Mighty Blue Angels from the 2003 African Cup Winners
by African football governing body, CAF, has arguably brightened
Mighty Barolle's chance of signing young star Takpo Sonkarliey.
Takpo was expected to lead the Mighty Blue Angels against Asante
Kotoko of Ghana next month in the Cup Winners Cup, but the former was
disqualified by CAF on grounds that the Liberian knockout champions
failed to complete full registration for the competition.
Takpo, an attackminded midfielder has dangerous shots like Rivaldo of
Brazil, splendid passes that resemble those of French star Zinedine
Zidane and curling freekicks as David Beckham of England.
When Mighty Barrolle, having experienced a dismal season last term,
began their quest to sign the rising star, there were little optimism
perhaps because at the time the Mighty Blue Angels relied on Takpo to
eliminate Asante Kotoko from the Cup Winners Cup.
However, with the ejection of the Harbel based Mighty Blue Angels from
Africa's second highest club competition, it has now become obvious
that Takpo will be in Barrolle's red and white shirts come the
inaugural premier league this year.
Despite the uncertainty that loomed over the paler's switch to
Liberia's most successful club, that is Barrolle, Takpo had already
been playing several preseason matches for the Red Boys.
He, as a matter of fact, played for Barolle for the first time in
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County against arch rival Invincible Eleven
(IE).
Thereafter, he made his intention to join Barrolle brighter when he
led the Rollers to three successive wins over IE during the Sam
Burnette Tournament organized by the Union of LFA SubCommittees in
Montserrado County, ULFASCOM. He went on to play for the Rollers
against a rejuvenated NPA Anchors, now under former Lone Star deputy
coach Frank Jericho Nagbe, in a best of three.
Meanwhile, Takpo's first appearance for Barrolle brought shock to fans
of IE after earlier playing for the Yellow Boys.
The fans accused Barrolle's charismatic president Lewis Browne of
"stealing" the player after the lad was first said to be approached by
IE as was proven when he featured for the Yellow Boys against
Barrolle.
Although the full completion of the player's is yet to take place,
Barrolle president Browne is reportedly enticing the stylish player
with huge funds so as to drive away other interested clubs.
Takpo burst unto the local scene when he led the Mighty Blue Angels to
the Liberia Knockout title. This produced the first moment that a
second division club has won the knockout shield.
The player's fine form has prompted national team coach Kadala Kromah
to call him to the Lone Star ahead of the match with Ethiopia later
this month.
Takpo is among the likes of Boye Pratt, Isaac Tondo, Rufus Sarlue,
Varney Boakai, Francis Carr, Frederick Vah, Oscar Glaydor, Prince Gao
and Shelton Barlee that are currently training at the Antoinette
Tubman Stadium (ATS) as the date for the crucial encounter draws
nearer.
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