Kelvin Appointed Lone Star Technical Director! 

By Roland M. Mulbah

rolandmulbah@liberiansoccer.com

2316714850

The President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has appointed retired Liberian International midfielder, Kelvin Sebwe as Technical Director of the National team of Liberia, Lone Star.

In a press Conference held Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), Deputy MYS Minister for Administration, Mr. Edwin Kennedy Tetteh and Deputy MYS Minister for Sports, Mr. Marbue Richards informed journalists that after a protracted period where Liberian football was reportedly at a downward trend, the Liberian leader, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf decided to appoint Kelvin Sebwe as Technical Director of the National team of Liberia, Lone Star in an attempt to take the Lone Star to higher heights, especially to book a place at the Africa cup of nations 2012 as well as the world cup in 2014.

“The Liberian leader, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has appointed Kelvin Sebwe as Technical Director of Lone Star to take the country’s football to higher heights,” Minister Tetteh noted.

As for Minister Richards, he noted that Kelvin was approached to take over the Lone Star after he immediately retired from International football.

“We talked to Kelvin about taking over Lone Star immediately when he quitted international football,” Minister Richards said at the press conference. 

The former Liberian midfield maestro retired from the national team of Liberia, Lone Star on a disappointing fashion after he was ousted by German coach Antoinette Hey.

His return to the national team of Liberia, the Lone Star especially at the helm of authority as Technical Director has been questioned with some keen followers of Liberian football accusing the Liberian leader of politicizing football in the country which has the record as the first African country to produced FIFA world best, European best as well as other lucrative awards winner in the form of King George Oppong Manneh.

King George Oppong Manneh, who conquered the world in 1995, is on record as the first African to win the world most prestigious awards in football.

Many followers of the world’s popular sports in this part of the world believe the Liberian leader has no power to appoint a Technical Director at the heal of Lone Star in the absence of authority of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), while others feel Kelvin’s appointment has political mission.

“I want to hail the Liberia leader, Madam Sirleaf for this appoint which I feel will change Liberian football for the better.

“During my days on the field, this is one position I have loved for quite a while and I feel it is a dream come true to serve my country in this capacity as Technical Director of the national team.

“The task of a Lone Star Technical Director may seem difficult, but I feel with the collective efforts of everyone, Liberia’s Lone Star can make amends at the highest level on the International scene,” Lone Star newly appointed technical Director,” Kelvin Sebwe noted.     

Whatever the case may be, whether Kelvin’s appointment has political mission or not and whether he can pull the necessary surprises to put Lone Star back on course is what everyone is keen to see.

Meanwhile, in an interview with LFA Secretary General, Mr. Sam Bedford concerning Kelvin’s appointment, he told liberiansoccer.com that the local football house would comment on the issue at a later date.