KICMETT WINS MVP CROWN

                                              Melvin Kicmett- Standing third from right

Sublimely gifted Liberian international Melvin Okoro Kicmett has so far taken his new destination, Mali by storm as he has showed- case his talent via his fantastic form, thus becoming the Most valuable Player (MVP) in the Malian Top Four.

The gifted forward who has since established himself as a key man on the squad of Malian league runners-up  Club Olympique de Bamako (COB), emerged as the best player in the round robin competition after leading his side COB in lifting the cup and further scored three classic goals, one in each match.

According to reports emanating from that country, the 21 year old who is regarded as one of the future stars of the Liberia Senior national team the Lone Star was very impressive and has won a host of fans.

 Kicmett whose style is reminiscent to that of the pin-sized Primer Liga  champions Barcelona hit-man Lionel Andre jorge Messi due to his cultured left foot, awesome pace, neat dribbles and constant knack for goals, established himself in the competition in a uniique fashion.

The Top Four competition in Mali is an annual event intended to test the top four teams in the country in preparing themselves for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions

COB drubbed USFAS 2-0 in the first enciounter with the gifted Liberian netting the curtain raiser just after nine minutes through what journalists in that part of the continent described as a classic as the speedy player rounded off three defenders before easily tapping the ball over an onrushing goaltender.

They then defetated Stade de Malian 3-2 with kicmett scoring a spectacular free kick, and with COB and league champions Djoliba tied on points with two wins each, both sides were drawn in the final, and it was a magic from the former Monrovia Black Star and LPRC Oilers striker which showed the difference between both sides in the 78th minute when he scored from a descent over head kick to the delight of many at the Omni Sport Stadium in Bamako.

The lad thus became the best player of the tournament and the joint top scorer.

COB's coach Adama Traore described his Liberian import as the club's 'new darling' who can do wonders with the club.

Kicmett left Liberia in late 2007 for Ghana and later landed in Cameroon where he featured for Tonerre Klara after making it during the midseason transfer window. The following season, he fell in the nest of Union Sportive de Douala and was labelled in the Cameroonian press as "The Liberian Messi" for his cojuring ball artistry, Midas touches and clinical finishing.  Former manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba was amongst several ex-Cameroonian stars who showed love for the lad's great talent, as the 21-year old dynamite netted in what can be described as a "glorious goal" against a star studded cameroonian All-Stars comprised of European and Asian based players. Union Douala in last december trounced the collection of stars 4-1 with Kicmett getting the final goal of the match. He also proved his worth in the CAF Confederation Cup.

After missing two trips to Israel despite receiving visas, the player believes his time will surely come to play top level football in Europe.

"It was an unfortunate situation to miss out on two offers to Israel. Probably it was not my time. But, God knows why it happened that way. I believe in destiny and i know my time will surely come to play in Europe", the path finder recently told liberiancosser.com.

At the same time, fellow Liberian international Omega Roberts is also in the fold of Malian club COB.

The towering defender who had a stint with local premiership outfit Gedi& Sons before moving to Ivory Coast where he styled for Sewe Sports and played in the African Champions league, later moved to Cameroun and joined ranks with to flight side Tiko before  having a sting in Congo Brazzaville last season. The highly intelligent defender whose playing style is like that of Manchester United rearguard Rio Ferdinand, was in the heart of COB's defense in their first two matches, but missed the epic final against Djoliba due to suspension (yellow cards received).

With Kicmett and Roberts being free agents, COB is keen to sign them on permanently after their virtuoso performance in the top four, and they are as well hungry to get to the big stage of top class European football.