Kelvin’s Appointment Raises Concern!
 -Course Order or Contradiction?

By Roland M. Mulbah
rolandmulbah@liberiansoccer.com
2316714850

What could be described as a major talking point as far as the growth and development of Liberian football is concerned particularly the Lone Star came to the fore on Monday, January 5 with the appointment of ex-international Kelvin Sebwe as Technical Director of the National football team of Liberia, Lone Start.

The pronouncement was made by the Ministry of Youth and Sports authorities indicating that President Sirleaf had made the appointment.

Kelvin, who is already in the country, promised to revitalize the country's football and has reportedly, started work.

But, the appointment of Kelvin has certainly being greeted with mixed reactions as there are many questions screaming for answers as to whether the president is well advised on the decision to appoint Kelvin.

Whether it is in the purview of the president or the Ministry of Youth and Sports to appoint a Technical Director without the input of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) is one thing and whether Kelvin has the requisite credentials and experience to assume such role is another.

Firstly, the idea to ostracize the FA from the entire exercise raises eyebrows, because normally, the FA recommends while the Ministry appoints, but the FA it seems unimportant nowadays.

Does Kelvin have any level of coaching experience? Is he abreast with such a job? Does he have the tactical norms to draw up constructive programs or a blue print in taking the country's football to the next level? Or is it a political decision or appointment as 2011 draws near?

As a footballer, one cannot question Kelvin’s enviable role with country, but to get in the hot seat of a Technical Director without no prior coaching knowledge seems ludicrous to many.

This time, the former midfielder will have a much more bigger job as Technical Director, unlike the George Weah era during the 2002 nations cup qualifiers where he was only focused on the Senior national team, Kelvin will be obliged to draw up programs for the various national teams as well as other worthy programs that would take Liberian football forward.

It is however sadden that Kelvin, who recently hung his boots has now catapulted to the crucial role of Technical Director.

In countries like Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, ect, such cannot happen and despite the strength of the President, a mere former player without any coaching experience cannot get to the helm of such a weighty job.

Had it been so, the likes of Abedi Pele Ayew, Mohamed Socrates Sylla, Sunday Oliseh, Bachirou Salou would have since assumed such role.

Those who had always joined the chorus of experience are yet to comment on this latest development.

It can be recollected that during the days of Kadalla Kromah and Frank Jericho Nagbe, Sr. as coaches of the national team, the key  saying was "you use the old mat to plait the new mat", experience is very important.

Those were the days where the likes of Kelvin Sebwe, Oliver Makor and other senior players were being left out by these coaches.

If the issue of money was a delicate one for not hiring an expatriate Technical Director, then there was a need to go for experience indigenous technocrats, like the veteran Josiah N. Johnson, Kadala Kromah or even Frank Jericho Nagbe, who from all indication Kelvin is matchless to or in fact a tactical dwarf.

But, if the argument of new breed was to come to the fore, then the likes of Boniface Doe and Thomas Kojo, who have coached First Division sides Durban FC and FC AK respectively should have being sent from that country to take such job.

The Kelvin's appointment will continue to be a heated debate, and while others may argue that though the idea of him being inexperienced should not be a problem since in fact he played on the highest level of European football, and may in fact want to bring in the exploits of the likes of Carlos Caetano Bledorn Veiri Dunga, Deigo Armando Maradona, Hristo Stoichkov, Pepe Guardiola, Doctor Khumalo ect, such argument can be termed as a lazy one as these players or great footballers did not just arrange a retirement match and then after few months they jump into coaching.

They went to renowned institutions, got the license, and in fact got attached with clubs for a year or so before going into club or international football.

These personalities did not rely on just playing at the highest level to be catapulted to the biggest stage in coaching, Technical Director which all round the world must be occupied with a well drilled and accomplished coach or manager.

They did not hide behind "playing football to the highest level" or "soon to get a license" as is alleged with Kelvin, whom according to report, will soon get his UEFA coaching license. "

Are appointments now done on will soon? Is it half way stuff now? Even if one acquires a UEFA Pro license certificate or license without any record of club coaching is it sufficient to get a mammoth job of TECHNICAL DIRECTOR?    

Brief History of Kelvin Sebwe

Personal information

Full name -Kelvin Sebwe

Date of birth -April 4, 1972

Place of birth - Monrovia, Liberia

Height 1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in)

Playing position -Midfielder

Kelvin Sebwe (born on April 4, 1972 in Monrovia) is a retired Liberian footballer who played as a midfielder. Sebwe was also a member of the Liberia national football team. His brother is Dionysius Sebwe. He made his international debut against the Eagles of Mali on home soil in the 1988 African Nations Cup Qualifiers which his side lost 1-0 as a result of an early minute goal conceded.

Club career

A much-travelled player, Sebwe played for clubs in France, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates. However, he spent the major part of his career in Greece, where he played for 8 different clubs.

Retirement