Coach Tarpeh Reveals Steps to Save Lone Star

By Omari Jackson

jackson_omari@hotmail.com

 ATLANTA March 9: The release of the 2010 African Nations’ Cup fixture, with Liberia in Group A, with Zimbabwe, Cape Verde and Mali, has been described as a “Comfort Zone,” but to achieve the objective, would depend on consistency in decision making.

 Supporting that idea, Coach William Tenesio Tarpeh of Cleveland, Ohio, technical director for Ambassadors for sports youth program, says success could only come, but it would depend on the commitment of officials to the Lone Star in the days ahead.

 In a lengthy telephone interview yesterday, Coach Tarpeh did not hide his feelings, and insisted that Lone Star should be a priority, in the decisions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The following are excerpts, but first he was asked, whether he was surprised at the current state of soccer in Liberia.

 William Tenesio Tarpeh: It is a pity that soccer is at its lowest ebb in Liberia. There are several contributing factors that we need to correct to be able to revamp Liberian soccer. It is critical where Liberia is right now. Sadly, we know Liberia’s FIFA ranking is not encouraging, and this makes me sad.

 Omari Jackson: Can we not attribute this state of affairs to the recent political crisis, since the country is now recovering and that things will take some time to come back to itself?

 WTT: True, I understand the war situation, but we cannot allow that to determine what we need to do and we are not. We must see the development of our sports with a different but positive mentality. We must see sports development with the mentality that could lead to a revival of the games, after the war, but sadly people are not seeing sport with the lenses that the rest of the world sees it. Therefore we are far behind in sports, and we need to strengthen and rejuvenate sports to meet the aspirations of Liberians. I know Liberians are yearning for a viable team.

 OJ: Where do you put the blame? Can we hold someone responsible for this?

 WTT: It is clear that the government of Liberia is not listening and therefore not doing enough. The government should make sports development a priority. There can be no two ways about it.

 OJ: By saying sports should be a priority, what practical steps would you suggest, should be considered?

 WTT: First of all the government must demonstrate its faith and belief in sports. It must have the political will to create the environment to develop the game. It must put out the resources to develop the game.

 OJ: The government has empowered the Football Association, and even FIFA is reported to be providing some financial support to develop the game in Liberia. Is that not enough?

 WTT: It is true that FIFA gives some financial support to the LFA, and of course the government has been truly providing the challenge to the LFA also. But, has all the funds to the FA been accounted for? Is there any mechanism to make sure that the funds are used for the purpose of which they are sent? There has to be accountability. We must hold people accountable.

 OJ: Does this suggest that there is a need for a specific body to handle the Lone Star or what do you think?

 WTT: My travel experience indicates that money should go to sports. For example, if we want the national team to go to the Nations’ Cup in 2012, and not only qualify but perform creditably well, then we must have adequate funding to prepare the team. The government must encourage businesses in the country to support the team financially and materially. Money must be available for training both outside and inside the country.

 OJ: So what is your suggestion as the first step to be tackled, looking at the team right now, and the fact that the 2012 Nations’ Cup loomed at the horizon?

 WTT: We must ask ourselves if we want Lone Star to qualify and be at the finals in 2012. If the answer is yes, then our short term goal should be practical. Again we should ask ourselves if we want Lone Star to participate just for the mere act of playing, or to represent and have an impact. Since we want the Lone Star to play well, then it means that we must engage in a selection process for players now and not tomorrow or any other day. I said now because of the poor state of our clubs, and as result the local players fall below the capacity that can make them competitive in tougher games.

 OJ: What about a coach for the Lone Star? Do you suggest a local or a foreign coach?

 WTT: Right now I don’t think Liberian coaches are equipped to provide the kind of education that the national team needs from where we are and where we want to go. So my answer is we need a foreign coach. In addition local coaches must work with the foreign coach who would serve as mentors for, at least,  a period of three years and in the process the local coaches should have intensive training abroad, to familiarize themselves with the kind of coaching that will provide them with the empirical knowledge to make adequate analysis to get the desired results. It includes an understanding of the environment, the conditioning, which is psychological, mental attitude or capacity of the players, among other things. A coach has to find out; the coach must know all these.

 OJ: The acquisition of a foreign coach seems to be a hurdle that is yet to be overcome. Do you have any suggestion on how to go about this?

 WTT: I earlier mentioned Shuttle Sport Diplomacy, and this is where the government of Liberia comes in. And if it is done properly, I think the government may not spend a cent to get a coach from abroad. The Ministry of Youth and Sports should start working, making requests to its counterparts abroad, for technical assistance, and the ministry must be specific of what Liberia wants.

 OJ: So when all is said and done, what is your urgent appeal to sports officials in Monrovia?

 WTT: They must urgently appoint, or search for a foreign coach to start preparation. And for now, they must appoint one of the best locale coaches to handle the team. There is every indication that with proper preparation, we may gain some success in this endeavor, in this short term planning effort, and of course I may deliberate on a long-term preparation in the future.

 OJ: Thanks for your time.

 WTT: It’s a pleasure to make my modest contribution as a coach to the development of the Lone Star, and thanks for having me.