Liberian Players Rated High in Oman

    Murphy K. Nagbe
 

June 8, 2005

Manubah, Teekloh Top The List

Football in Asia is no doubt attracting an avalanche of stars for its huge media blitz and immense strides.


Nationals from every part of the globe continue to make gains in that part of the World in order to develop the progress of the global leather.

Liberian players generally noted for their flair and subtle style, are scattered in every part of the new football world, as they continue to thrill ardent followers of the game.

After showcasing their talent in the football nations of Qatar where Frank Seator is rated as a clinical finisher, Indonesia where the likes of Sam Chebli, Murphy Nagbe, Steve Mennoh and crew continue to impress, another batch of young and promising Liberian players have won the hearts of many in the Asian State of Oman where they have made an enviable record.

Prominent amongst these rising Stars include former Invincible Eleven technically gifted midfielder Sekou Manubah alias George Weah as well as Lone Star all-rounder Ben Teekloh.

George Weah who last played in Liberia with premiership side Invincible Eleven, is now referred to as the Ronaldinho of football in Oman for his dazzling skills, mesmerizing dribbles, awesome pace and Midas touch. He scored seven goals from 11-league matches.

After having a successful season with first division side Al-Taliya where they ended 7th on the 13 teams league table, the former National U-13, U-14 and U-15 crony is on holiday in the country looking towards the future with much anticipation.

The youngster has been transformed to a defensive midfielder, as he serves as a shield in front his team's defense.

Endowed with a gifted right foot and good work ethic, Manubah stated, "I was not psychologically prepared while here in Liberia. I broke down. But now, I am on top of my game, and I am grateful to God".

He further stated that Liberian players are technical. But need to work on more physique.

The league in Oman is a tough one, as there are only two foreign players to a club.

He named his club mate as a Sierra Leonean known as Eza Thomas who he described as an adventurous striker.

"My club has asked me to recommend some players, and Liberian players will surely benefit in terms of being professional footballers". Sekou said.

Speaking further the young Liberian star said the country is blessed with talent like Brazil, as he hailed players Frank Nagbe, Jr. George Boe and Nicodemus Jacobs as just few of the many players whose talents can be adequately tapped.

The young Ronaldinho then called on the government of Liberia and the Liberia Football Association (LFA) to develop youth soccer, as it is the bedrock of the senior national team. He also noted that the "boys 19" team needs to be supported. There should be programs set up for every age group, "Our people should stop being diplomatic and cater to the youths", an ecstatic Sekou Manubah concluded.

The AL-Taliya faithful came to lime light when he featured for Ducor defenders in the second division.

He then featured for the national youth team that made headway in the Scandinavia. Notably Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Meanwhile, the Oman first division league has ended with another Liberian Ben Tekloh winning the most valuable player crown.

The hard working footballer plies his trade with Al-Nasar which ended fourth on the league table.

Another Liberian in the first division is former Lone Star defense icon Joe Dickson of division one outfit Al-Taha, while Buster Brown formerly of Zelors, Collister Mayor who last played for Invincible Eleven, Raphael Saifa who also played for Invincible Eleven and a player identified as Oscar are the other Liberian players in Oman, but in the lower division.

An Oman player's agent Sayid Masqerat is the brain behind the promotion. The league in Oman is predominantly dominated by Africans mainly from Tanzania and Nigeria. Only two Brazilians ply their trade in that part of the world.