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For Liberia Vs. Niger
Match: Who Are the
Foreign-Based Players Invited?
September 25, 2002
Posted to the web September 25, 2002
Siebo D. Williams
Monrovia
Unconfirmed reports reaching our Sports Desk have it that the technical
staff of the National football team, the Lone Star, have named nine
foreign-based players for the 2002 African Cup of Nations qualifier against
Niger.
The report further said an initial list of 13 foreign-based players was
drawn up by technical manager Kadala Kromah, but LFA and MYS told him that
Government would only provide funds for nine. Based on the information, this
paper learned that Manager Kromah reduced the list.
Those reportedly selected by Manager Kromah include Louis Crayton
(Switzerland), Prince Daye (France), Jimmy Dixon (Sweden), Dulee Johnson
(Sweden), George Gebro (Greece), Fallah Johnson (Indonesia), Anthony Ballah
(Indonesia), Alvin "Power" Kieh (Hungary) and another player to later be
named later by Kadala.
Manager Kromah also made some adjustments on the list of those who played
the match against Guinea. Those foreign-based players who have been dropped
include Frank Seator (Qatar) and Bill Neewray (Switzerland).
Meanwhile, several other quality foreign-based players have been left out.
They are Oliver Makor (Greece), Zizi Roberts (USA), Kelvin Sebwe (UAE), Musa
Shannon (Colorado Rapids, USA) John Menyongar (Minnesota Thunders, USA) and
Edward "Zico" Dixon (France).
This paper hopes to contact coach Kromah for comments on his latest
selection.
Meanwhile, football pundits have frowned on coach Kromah for leaving out
those quality players who are very productive. They said for Dulee Johnson
alone to handle Lone Star's midfield without the likes of Makor Menyongar,
Edward Dixon and Kelvin being invited will spell danger.
Some fans said though they agree with coach Kromah's rebuilding process, but
he should not ignore those foreign-based players who still have quality and
age on their sides.
On the other hand, the attackers invited by coach Kromah are not sharp. "Is
coach Kromah telling us that he will only rely on Prince Daye to score? The
likes of Anthony Ballah and Alvin Power Kieh are being called to make their
debut in a home match so he should not forget the home pressure. It will
take these players time to adjust on the team. So why then leave out
attackers like Musa Shannon, Josiah Seton and Zizi Roberts, who made the
team during the term of George Weah?" another fan remarked yesterday.
Some fans are urging coach Kromah to rethink his decision because the Lone
Star must win her next match if she wants to stay in contention for the
finals of the 2002 African Nations Cup.
Others have said though some of these players said they would come back for
reasons previous stated, it is the prerogative of the LFA, the MYS and the
technical staff to bend backward and settle whatsoever happened because
these players are needed.
Liberia's Lone Star takes on Niger on October 13, 2002 at the SKD Sports
Complex in Paynesville in the second round match of the qualifiers |
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