-Samuel Karn Explains 

April 4,2003 
          In a league where clubs play soccer just for formality and not for business, as is the case elsewhere, being a team boss is such an expensive thing to do in Liberia. LiberianSoccer.com talks to a man whom has been single-handedly running a very youthful second division side Karn United FC, a club that Cameroon-based Zah Krangar last played for before moving abroad. Mr. Samuel Karn, who has been shouldering the responsibilities of the Karn United, explained how it is to own a Liberian club.          

Cameroon-based Zah Krangar last
played for Karn United FC before
moving abroad

Liberiansoccer.com.com: Why are you one of the most popular names in Liberian football?

Karn: This is because I dedicated my whole life to football. Most of the youths know me.

Liberiansoccer.com: When did you begin as a football official?

Karn: I started my football journey with the Paynesville Football Association first as Sports Director and later Vice President for Administration. I am more popular in Paynesville than anywhere. I set up KUSA in 1999.

Liberiansoccer.com: Where a member or official of any of the big teams like IE or Barrolle before establishing your own team?

Karn: I am only a sympathizer of Mighty Barrolle. Before then, I was with St. Joseph Warriors.

Liberiansoccer.com: Are you pleased with the way the game is being played and run in the country?

Karn: Our league is sub-standard. The attendance is poor. The big teams take players from the third division. Our teams that win championships do not travel. Teams have no financial means to travel. So, our league is sub-standard.

Liberiansoccer.com: Running a club is such a difficult and an expensive thing to do. How are you making things to happen?

Karn: This is why we have problem with premier league. To have a team without a sponsor is a problem. This is a serious issue KUSA faces. This is a sole proprietorship. We find it difficult, but it's because we love the game.

Liberiansoccer.com: Do you support those who think it is wrong that Mr. Edwin Snowe is studying in the United States while at the same time serving as LFA President?

Karn: You can't be president and be abroad. It's not an issue to discuss because it speaks for itself. He can't be in the United States and effectively be LFA President.

Liberiansoccer.com: Do you have a strong tie with the LFA President and the rest of the LFA officials?

Karn: Snowe is my personal friend in a sense that he is an LFA President.

Liberiansoccer.com: The kind of players your team possesses shows that you believe in youth soccer. Am I wrong?

Karn: I 100 percent believe in youth soccer. We saw the Nigerian youth team in 1996 and it later participated in the World Cup. The same for Cameroon. Youth soccer is the answer to our game.

Liberiansoccer.com: Do your players really love the way your club is being run?

Karn: My players are satisfied with the way my team is being run. They get their per diem on time. They understand that it is a one-man show.

Liberiansoccer.com: What makes your club different from the rest?

Karn: My club is a very youthful side. It's a discipline team.

Liberiansoccer.com: In case your team qualifies one day for an international competition, will you facilitate its travel?

Karn: I think the team is an organization made of officials. We may lobby around to galvanize support for the team to travel.

Liberiansoccer.com: Do you think about becoming president of the LFA?

Karn: It's my ambition to see the LFA grow. For now, my major commitment is the club.   
Liberiansoccer.com: Are your children and family also lovers of the game?

Karn: I have three sons, one is 19 and the others are minors. All are not here. They are in the United States, but they love the game.

Liberiansoccer.com: Which Liberian player is your close friend?

Karn: My favorite friend is James Debbah who visits me regularly when he returns from abroad.

Liberiansoccer.com: Do you like or support any other club apart from your own?

Karn: At present, I am not supporting any other team. Sometimes, teams from third division come and I help them with jerseys. For instance, Georgia FC.

Liberiansoccer.com: What do you do apart from football?

Karn: Apart from football, I listen to music and go around friends.