Debbah Craves For Youthful Players
-To Play For Lone
Star
 March
11, 2003
Liberia’s celebrated soccer star, James Salinsa
Debbah, is craving for more youthful players to be given the
opportunity to play for the National football team, the Lone Star.
He made the assertion when he appeared as guest
of local television station, Ducor Television, on Monday night.
He said he has long reached his peak and served
the country diligently as far as the National football team, the Lone
Star is concerned. “I have nothing to prove to anybody. I have served
with diligence and think it is about time that we give the youthful
and gifted players the opportunity to serve their country as well.”
“I played for Lone Star at the highest level for 17 consecutive years.
I have played my part. Let the
technicians turn to the youngsters who are eager to prove themselves.
And the youngsters need their support to succeed. Let them not
overlook them.”
Debbah’s statement was a result of a question
posed to him whether he will accept the invitation just extended him
by the coach Kadalah Kromah and his staff for the 2004 African Cup of
Nations’ qualifier against Ethiopia slated for March 28-30, 2003
in Addis Ababa. Liberia needs to pull at least a draw or a win to
remain on course for the 2004 finals slated for Tunisia.
Quizzed whether he will change his mind
when the Liberian people ask him to, he said when the time comes he
will decide, but for right now he wants emphasis placed on youthful
and talented players. He did not name specific players, but pointed
out that there are lots of youthful and talented players who the
country can count on. “They just need the support of the Liberian
people and football authorities”, he added.
James Salinsa Debbah is regarded as Liberia’s celebrated
soccer star due to his prowess on the soccer pitch. He started
playing on the Lone Star in 1986, but was unfortunate to make the
training trip Lone Star made to Brazil that year due his pursuit for
academia.
By 1987, Debbah was a local star, whose name became a
house-hold world. He played for Mighty Barrolle, while the
incomparable George Weah played for rivals Invincible Eleven (IE).
He left Liberia for greener pasture in 1988 via Union
Douala of Cameroon. He finally landed in France through the help of
George Weah at AS Monaco. While in France, he played for AS Monaco,
Vallauris, Olympique Lyon, NICE, PSG and later moved to Belgium where
he had stint with Anderlecht. He also played in Turkey briefly for
Ankagucu before going to Greece where he
played for Iraklis. He is presently plying his trade in the United
Arabs Emerates (UAE) for Al Jazira
Sports Club.
Debbah made two Nations Cup finals appearances
for Liberia in 1996 in South Africa and 2002 in Mali. He was part of
the Lone Star team that missed by inches the 1990 World Cup finals in
Italy and the 2002 finals held in South Korea and Japan.
He said having played for so long, he thinks it is about time that
emphasis be placed on youths.
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