Following Lone Star's 3-0 Victory:
Chairman Bryant Highlights Proper Planning


Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant meets Match Commissioner
Austin Akosa (Nigeria) at the start of Liberia's crucial home match
against the Scorpions of Gambia

The NEWS (Monrovia)

November 19, 2003

Siebo D. Williams
Monrovia

The Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), Charles Gyude Bryant, has highlighted that proper planning and long-term preparations be the hallmark of the day, if the Lone Star is to qualify for future competitions.

He made the statement on Monday afternoon when he tendered a luncheon in honor of players of the National football team, the Lone Star, at the Executive Mansion following their 3-0 triumph over the Scorpions of The Gambia.

The Chief Executive said his government will do its part in ensuring that the necessary budget allocations are included for the Lone Star. "We will call the Budget Director, Finance Minister, Youth and Sports Minister and LFA to see how technical work can be done in this direction," Chairman Bryant said.

Commenting further, Chairman Bryant said one of the country's weaknesses is preparation for games ahead of it. He added that all will done for the Lone Star to continue future matches. He then thanked the players, the coaches, the LFA and Sports Ministry for making Liberia proud. He said the luncheon was his administration's weak way of saying thank you to the team.

Earlier, LFA Acting President Cllr. Sombo Izetta Wesley thanked Chairman Bryant for hosting the Lone Star, the LFA and MYS.

She stressed the need for early preparation for future games and also called on the Government to play its part in providing funds for a solid home-based team to be built. She said once you have a home based team, you will only call in foreign-based players where you have deficiency.

The Iron Lady of Liberian football, as she is popularly called by her admirers, urged government security to always remember that football has its own protocol and should be willing to abide by it during international games.

Concluding, she thanked the players and technical staff, as well as Liberians who gave their unflinching moral support to the Lone Star.

Also speaking was the Match Commissioner, Austin Akosa of Nigeria. He said his entire match officials were pleased to stand by Liberia in these difficult times.

He also reiterated that football has its own protocol and should be respected by state security.

As for her part, Youth and Sports Minister-designate Cllr. Wheatonia Dixon-Barnes, said it was not easy in preparing for the game. But as God would have it and with the sacrifices of the players and technical staff, the game was won.

She told Chairman Bryant that the MYS and LFA made lot of commitment out there to have the game played, and was therefore calling on government to make good her promise.

Concluding, she thanked the players and technical staff who sacrificed during the entire training period. She also hailed Liberians for their resilience.


Minister Barnes then disclosed the formation of the Lone Star Fund Raising Committee, which she said will be out to raise funds to buttress Government's effort.

Several government officials attended the luncheon, including Minister of State-designate Jackson E, Doe, Foreign Minister Thomas Yaya Nimely, First Lady Mrs. Rosaline Lee Bryant, among others.