Liberia’s Laffor On Trials In France
If someone may have taught that the shining stars of Liberian
professional footballers in Europe faded down the dream, that person
could be right or wrong depending on how they place their arguments.
Liberia currently boasts at most ten active players in Europe with the
bulk of those who feature for the national team coming from Asia,
especially Indonesia and Malaysia .
The players are Olivar Makor and Francis “Grandpa” Doe of Greek first
division sides Ionikos and Atromitos Apollon, respectively, and Dioh
Williams and Jimmy Dixon of BK Hacken.
Dulee Johnson is now with newly promoted premiership side AIK Solna of
Sweden after spending five years with another Swedish premiership side
BK Hacken. The burden of Liberia’s qualification for Ghana 2008
African Cup of Nations will rest on this pentad [five] and the only in
Europe’s top leagues.
And with George Weah's testimonial match in France last year, the
writings were clear on the wall that Liberia will struggle to have a
player of his calibre and personality.
And with the good news that Anthony “Snothi” Laffor is currently on
trial with French Ligue One club Bordeaux, Liberian football followers
can now be rest assured that another promising player is in the
factory and ready for marketing.
Bordeaux coach Ricardo has asked Laffor to train with the French club
until Thursday after he left his base in South Africa a fortnight ago.
Laffor, who debuted for Liberia against Ethiopia in 2003, has made 14
appearances and currently plays for South African premier club Jomo
Cosmos.
He joined Cosmos from Ghana’s Premiership club Ashanti Gold for an
undisclosed fee.
Laffor had formerly played for Liberian first division club LISCR
before he travelled to Ghana in search of greener pasture.
And former Liberian coach Kadallah Kromah [now manager of local first
division club LPRC Oilers], who handed Laffor his national team debut,
is very optimistic the player will succeed.
“I know Laffor and I trust his ability to take instructions. He joined
Ashanti as an outsider before breaking into the first team. I spotted
his talents and that why I handed him his chance.”
Bordeaux, who are in second place in the French first division, has
the league's best defence, but have only scored 33 goals in 31 games.
Morocco's Marouane Chamakh is currently the club's top scorer with six
goals.
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