Lone Star Shown The Way Forward
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
Ahead of the 2006 Nations and World Cup qualifiers
against the Lions of Teranga of Senegal on October 10 in Monrovia,
Youth Soccer Promoter and Coach Jean Wleh Bedell has shown the way
forward for the host Lone Star of Liberia.
In an interview, Bedell cited the need to include the likes of
midfielder Oliver Makor and Joseph Amoah, who are both based abroad.
He said, "There is a need to recall Amoah because in Zambia, the
absence of George Gebro created problem."
Bedell said Amoah, being a very experienced player, now serving as
a libero, could fit in the gap at the left side of defense.
"We need creativity in midfield. We need someone in that holding
role position to combat the likes of Pape Bouba Diop and Aliou Cisse."
Bedell believes the US based striker Zizi Roberts must be included
on the team as Liberia is in a "must win" situation. "The Lone Star
needs to do everything because Senegal is coming with their arsenal
filled."
Bedell stated, "we need a sharp attacker because we scored one
goal in four matches."
He called on the team to sharpen its striking propensity in order
to get goals. "Our games need to be adventurous now."
Bedell also said the team needs workaholic midfielders because
Senegal's strength lies in the middle of the park. He then
recommended Sweden-based Lamine Ousman and Steve Mennoh, who plays
in Indonesia.
"In the not too distant future, the technical staff should include
Murphy Nagbe who can play as a defender and midfielder."
Bedell spoke against the Lone Star's failure to grab points away
from home. "We noticed that the Lone Star has been poor travelers
under Kadallah Kromah. The team always returns home empty-handed.
That jinx must be broken."
Bedell noted, "though the technical staff has been doing well in
spite of inadequate preparation, the coaching crew needs to do a lot
more in order to be result-oriented."
Bedell emphasized that with a concentration in defense,
compactness in midfield and sharpness in attack, the Lone Star could
book a place for "at least the Nations Cup because most of our
players are by far not prepared and Senegal looks to be the favorite
as we are still lingering and we noticed that the team seems to be
in a period of rejuvenation such that a place in the Nations Cup
will be appropriate for the young lads to prepare them for the 2010
World Cup qualifiers."
He totally ruled out the chance of Liberia reaching the 2006 World
Cup. "It will be an illusion judging from sporting authorities' own
lackadaisical approach to the team." |
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