Foreign Based Begin Preparation

  President of the Liberia Football Players Association (LIFOPA), Wleh Bedell


With CSKA Moscow scampering winger Sekou Jabateh Oliseh already intown, Liberian foreign based players on holiday in the country begin preparation for a series of matches with local clubs all in the spirit of reconciliation.

According to the president of the Liberia Football Players Association (LIFOPA), Wleh Bedell, the likes of Sekou Jabateh Oliseh, Isaac Pupo & Mardie Rennie ((Sweden), Ben Martins (Israel), Joseph Kelle Hinneh, Halie Gibson (Cameroon), will lead an array of foreign based players some of whom are non Liberians from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, etc to kick off training at the D-Twe sports pitch on Saturday, December 17, beginning at 7:00 am.

In a chat with journalists on Friday, Mr. Bedell hinted that more players are expected into the country in the next few days with the likes of Ben Teekloh (Romania), Solomon Grimes (Cyprus), Anthony Laffor (South Africa), Theo Weeks Lewis (Turkey), Josephus Jlatuh, Anthony Wesseh (Gambia), Francis Doe, Weaka Wesseh (Egypt), Vatalise Sieh, Alvin Dixon, George Baysah (Israel) due in shortly.

The football consultant, Bedell, further revealed that a group of young Liberian footballers from the United States under the banner "Desert Lone Star" will arrive in the country shortly to form part of the festive Christmas celebration. "The guys from the states are more than 20 and range from the ages of 18-28 who are coming to showcase their talent and get abreast with the country's football development program as they meet family members and friends",the former SWAL executive noted.

"We think there is a serious need to form part of the reconciliation process, and football being a unifying tool can be used to push the message of reconciliation. "We will be willing to work with the Nobel Laureate Laymah Gboyee and the relevant stakeholders in promoting reconciliation. "Also, we are hoping to have the ex-internationals become part of such matches as we are soon to engage them", Bedell indicated.

Clubs like Premiership champions LISCR, Knock-Out Champs Invincible Eleven (IE), League and Knock- Out runners-up Barrack Young Controllers (BYC), Presidents Cup Champions LPRC Oilers, former Champions Mighty Barrolle, newly promoted First Division sides Gardnersville FC and FC Fassell are some of the teams expected to lock horns with Jabateh and co. at various venues in the country.

At the same time, the LIFOPA boss says they are yearning to get in partnership with relevant institutions in serving as sponsors for the foreign based programs and has so far lauded the efforts of the MED (Massar, Edwin & Deo) Sports Management that have and continue to work collaboratively with football clubs and organizations in driving the game forward.

The group's President Deo Shamo Jlopleh, Vice President Edwin Tukpah and Secretary General Sam Kocca Wreh are said to have done extremely well in the short period to drive the game here forward and have consented to form part of the matches involving the foreign based stars and local clubs in the spirit of reconciliation.

Clubs wishing to feature against the foreign based stars according to Mr. Bedell can contact the following numbers to conclude arrangement. 0886618901/077027017.