pundits@liberiansoccer.com

 In preparation of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers,  your authoritative news magazine – Liberiansoccer.com will bring you exclusive interviews from  the holes and trenches where we find any hidden or exposed Liberian talent that we think should be included in this plan as the Lone Star frantically strive to restore its dwindling hope.

In this interview, Liberiansoccer.com Beat Reporter and seasoned football pundit, WLEH BEDELL (wlehbedell@liberiansoccer.com) caught up with Liberian professional player BEN TEEKLOH of Romanian side Farul Constanta in an online interview.

 BEDELL: Welcome to LiberianSoccer.com

          “Thank you very much for the opportunity and welcome to Romania … Ha...Ha … ha….

  BEDELL: You’ve so far played in three different continents. Africa, Asia and Europe - How has it been? In Asia you made headways with Al-Nassr of Oman, but surprisingly you moved to Europe with Farul Constanta. Not many players are blessed in making the transition from Asia to Europe. Tell me how did it happen?



     “For sure not many players are blessed to make such move. It was a blessing because it is beyond luck in the career of a player who moves from Asia to Europe. Also from Oman to Japan, China or other well recognized Asian countries”.  

 I always had at the back of my mind that Oman was not my target and everyday and night I kept reminding God of where I wanted to explode my career in Europe and I am sure after all those hard and good works I did in Oman, that is why I find myself in Europe. It wasn't easy but God is the reason I am in Europe today”.  

I’ve had great experiences playing in those continents, especially in Africa and Asia, but for Europe, it is the best place every footballer who wants to enjoy his career must dream of playing. In Africa, I think it was a starting point for me like Asia and I am grateful to God for carrying me through those rough times in my career”.
 

 BEDELL: The year 2007 might have being a difficult year for you. The medical problem at Premier Liga side Espanyol was followed by the fire explosion in your home. What are your comments?

 “2007 was a year I will never forget. It was a year I don't know how to describe or call it. It was a very difficult year for me - My medical problem, which started with an explosion in my house and some other things that happened, which I don't want to mention.  It was the year I was seeing myself in the big league.

 The year I taught my heart desire was met. However I never regretted the incident that occurred with Espanyol of Spain and I know that God never upholds to move ahead with your career and try to keep your body ready and mind focused to face the challenges. I live, some experienced people say: “Experience is the best teacher”.

 BEDELL:  Until making your debut with the full senior Lone Star team against Ethiopia in 2003, not many Liberians at home knew the name Ben Teekloh for the fact that you didn’t play for any of the local clubs even though you’d been with the Lone Star since 2001. Tell us your success story. How did it all start for you?
 

     “It's a long story. Anyway, it is true I didn't play in the national league in Liberia. I left Liberia at the age of 5-6 years old for the Ivory Coast in August 1989. After some years spent there, I found myself in Ghana on the Liberian refugee camp (Buduburam) where I met this man - (Mr. Clarence Lee Chea) who made me to believe that I could become one of the best players for Liberia years to come only if I believe in myself, be prepared to work and leave the rest to God.

 Mr. Chea introduced me to a 2nd division club in Accra called International Allies before that he made me to play on the camp team (Buduburam FC). After a year or two with International Allies, he introduced me to Mr. George Weah, the King of African Footballers.

 Mr. Weah held me by the hands and took me to Liberia for the first time after several years of been out of my country to prove myself worthy as a player for the country. That was how it begun and later, I moved to Cameroun, back to Ghana, then to Asia and now Europe.

 BEDELL:  You were part of the Lone Star squad under Coach Jericho Nagbe that performed dismally in the 2008 Nations Cup qualifiers where the team ended at the bottom of the group involving Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Rwanda. What do you think went wrong?

    “I think a lot of things were not in place for the competition. We didn’t play any competitive trial match and never had the time to train as a team for long, but whatever happened is gone and I am also glad the Lone Star is welcoming a foreign coach and making some improvements in sports.

  BEDELL:  Many persons believe that the team lacked experience and by all indication the likes of Kelvin and Makor should have being included into the squad to add experience. What is your view?

“Everyone will have had something to say, but all those who we considered experience today for the country never obtained experience from the sky. They were inexperience before they got experienced, and a child must crawl before walking.

It is true they should have been included in the squad because we saw the legs of Kalusha from Zambia, even in the recent Nations Cup, a 37 year old player from Sudan was a starter on the Sudanese team, but could that solve the problem or reduce the rate of inexperience on the team? Whatever was the case or may be the case, I want the best for my country.

  BEDELL:The team now has a new coach, German man Antoine Hey, putting an end to the merry go round of local coaches. Do you think the team can do well this time?

“    Yes we can do better under the new foreign coach provided he gets the needed support and the best ingredients to do his job under the best atmosphere as it done in modern football today. We don’t need to keep making the same mistakes because we will keep getting the same results.

  BEDELL: The Lone Star is drawn in a very tough group for the 2010 Nations and World Cup qualifiers - Teranga Lions of Senegal, Fennecs of Algeria and the Scorpions of Gambia. What are the team's chances?

 “Lone Star has a chance of qualifying. My only concern in the group will be Senegal. Algeria was a very good football nation before but not now and though I am not under estimating them. And Gambia is not better than us. We can get 6 points from them if we put our acts together well.
 

 BEDELL:  You and compatriot Francis Doe became the next Liberians after George Weah to feature for Cameroonian side Tonnerre Klara Club and went as far as the final in the CAF Cup before losing to JS Kabilye of Algeria in 2002. How was life at the Yaounde based club?
 

   “It was too fantastic there for us as it was our first time playing in such competition and going as far as obtaining a medal. We had great times there and we enjoyed our stay and left the flag of Liberia flying high.
 

  BEDELL:  How is your game at Farul Constanta. Do you consider yourself as an integral or important member of the squad or just a peripheral (making the numbers) figure?
 

   “I am doing great in my game now and under no condition I can’t be important to my team. I always do my best to be counted among the best everywhere I go and glory to God it happens wherever I go. The league is up to standard and great pace of football is seen here.
 

 BEDELL:  Racism has been a menace or trouble for African players in Spain and quite recently in France. Is this also a problem in Romania?  

           
 “I think racism exists everywhere, but it depends how it is shown to you before you are able to recognize it. But as far as I am aware, I’ve not seen it here therefore I can’t comment on it.
 

  BEDELL: Who really influenced you the most in playing football?

       “I was influenced by Mr. George Weah and Mr. Clarence Lee Chea.

  BEDELL:  Is there a Liberian community in Romania? Or are there other Liberian players playing in that part of the World, be it the Premier, 1st or 2nd Division?

   “For the past one year I’ve been here, I have not heard a Liberian voice or heard of any Liberian community before, but am doing my best to bring some Liberian players here.

 

   BEDELL: Who is your favorite player in the world and which current Liberian player do you admire?

“George Weah is my favorite and my second choice is Claude Makelele of Chelsea FC and France and my favorite Liberian players are Francis Grandpa Doe and Anthony Laffor.


 

  BEDELL: Are you in touch with your fellow countrymen playing in various parts of the World?

  “Yes we always communicate through e-mails and phone calls.

 

 BEDELL:  If you had your wish, which European club would you love playing for?

      “Real Madrid of Spain – The Galaticos(Stars)


 

 BEDELL:  Is Ben Teekloh a family man or still searching?

  “Ben Teekloh is becoming a family man. He is not in search. He has found the lady already. (Laughs)

BEDELL:  Are there plans to help your fellow countrymen play in Romania?

  “For sure, I did mention it earlier. It has always been my dream to help. Whether my countryman or not, I love helping. I am working hard to get a better team and play in a much better league and to help my friends in whatever way I can.

  BEDELL: Final message!

“I’ve a little message for our new coach. Antoine, you are welcomed in our country and I am glad that you accepted the job. Good luck! Hope our nation football exploits will rise under your administration.

 BEDELL: Thanks ever so much.

    “It has been pleasure talking to Libriansoccer.com and I look forward to another opportunity. Thanks very much.