All eyes are on Dr. Richard Tolbert as he prepares to take the mantle of authority as President of the Invincible Eleven (IE) Majestic Sports Association on Today, Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Monrovia City Hall in Monrovia. The induction will coincide with a fundraising rally for an amount of US$135,000.00.

Despite being Liberia’s oldest club, IE has been beset by numerous problems ranging from lack of support to bad governance. This is a sad thing to say about a team that brought to light the legendary George Weah, who went on to become the best footballer in Africa, Europe and the world as well as featured for famous European clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea and Olympique Marseille. IE also produced the likes of Ezekiel Doe, Sam Sumo, Benedict Wesseh, Frank Jericho Nagbe, Kadala Kromah, Albert Nah, Boye Cooper, Jonathan Sogbie, Isaiah Lincoln, Paul Broh, Anthony Nagbe and Papie Sumo.

Since the February 27, 2010 elections that brought Dr. Tolbert on board, anticipations have been rife as it relates to the transformation of ‘Liberia’s Darling Club’. This high expectation on the part of IE enthusiasts and stalwarts has given rise to this clarion call, when considered, would become a guiding tool for a renaissance that the entire Yellow Family would cherish.

First and foremost, the aggrieved party, mainly the Montserrado County Chapter, should see reason in abandoning their protest and accept the result for the good of a single IE. Meanwhile, whoever is throwing stone and hiding his hand should desist and work with Dr. Tolbert and his corps of officers, including Francois Junius-Vice President for Administration, Alfred Sayon-Vice President for Operations, Jonathan Sogbie-Vice President for Fan Clubs Affairs and Momolu VO Sirleaf-Secretary-General. The involvement of every IE member is required for the new initiative to bear sweet fruits.

Dr. Tolbert may have the wherewithal to bankroll the team’s operations but the need to turn IE into an institution cannot be overemphasized because football is business. As Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), he can do this by convincing big companies to sponsor IE. A sponsorship deal for the Yellow Boys will go a long way in reducing the burden on the president and to avoid players begging for alms at various offices, market places and street corners just to survive.

Past presidents, especially Grand Gedeh County Senior Senator Isaac Nyenabo, have used IE to as a ladder to climb to political power. Such bad precedence has created apprehension in some quarters about the presidency of Dr. Tolbert, who is another political figure. It now becomes the binding duty of the President-elect to prove his critics wrong. He should allay this fear once and for all.

The new leadership should reach out to all members, supporters and fans for their financial and moral support. The Tolbert administration is urged to restore IE to its prewar status as a well to do side by rejuvenating the basketball squad at the female and male levels and to bring back the feeder side known as Majesty.

An improvement within IE would set the stage for the reemergence of the famous traditional rivalry with Mighty Barrolle at the level of football and basketball. The rebirth of the various chapters in the counties and government ministries and agencies would be another means through which fans would pay dues to buttress the efforts of the leadership.

This food for thoughts to Dr. Tolbert and his colleagues is something for them to hold in high esteem because the expectation is very high among lovers of IE. It is the hope that the Yellow Boys will see the light at the end of the tunnel under the incoming arrangement.

Please, Dr. Tolbert, do not fail IE as some of your predecessors did. IE is not a political tool but rather an entity that is supposed to help foster unity among Liberians and also serve as a means of entertainment. Sam Burnette, Ben Donnie and Lawrence Doe are all dead and gone but their memories live on because of the good works they did while serving as Presidents. You can do the same provided you live up to your words through deeds. The Yellow Family would be proud and sing songs of praises unless you dry their tears. IE cannot afford to be a laughing stock and whipping dog.