The Younger Ones Are Hungry

It is another sponsor-less, spiceless and uninspiring league in Liberia with various clubs hoping to do wonders in the league they find themselves. 

A galaxy of former international stars led by Joe Nagbe ( 77 caps for country and 20 goals) and a bunch of young, hungry and competitive players that are charged by a certain Patrick Doeplah ( theree goals from two games) are thrilling die hards of the country's game. 

But, while Joe Nagbe is at FC AK, though his decision to play once more after a host of years in the wilderness as a retiree, brings to the fore a major talking point, as his decision to be a coach especially for the senior national team while still a player is some how in a haywire fashion which connoisseurs cannot really comprehend. 

Alexander Freeman Cheneken another sleek midfielder during his hey days as an engineer in the middle of the park with Invincible Eleven and the National team is back with the yellow boys. The likes of Varmah Kpoto of FC AK, former Captain Murphy Nagbe with LISCR are some of the notable faces in the lowly rated top flight. 

But, while these players might know their own reason of playing in such a modest league, the cardinal focus or attraction will be from the younger ones who are certainly hungry to make strides. 

                                           Hunger

It is often said that a player with hunger will do marvel. For the fact that such player is an underchiever, an accomplished prodigy and a relatively unknown quantity, the onus will be there to showcase his talents, as he will then have a competitive spirit.

Unlike their senior and more illustrious brothers who have accomplished and achieved a lot, the younger ones are keen to excel. They will certainly raise their game to do the unexpected in captivating fans.

                          Rising Stars

As an antidote to the country's football development, it is advisable that we place serious emphasis on youth football, and a host of rising stars are the ones the attention must be redirected towards. These rising stars are the ones to take the country's football to 2014 and beyond and the programs must now be instantaneously put in place to harness them.

               The Doeplah Revolution

A certain crafty left footed net burster in the form of Patrick Junior Boy Doeplah, is on top of the list in the younger players verge to revolutionize players dominance in the country. With three goals in two matches, the 18 year old who returned from an unsuccessful trial in Turkey due to the greedy nature of an agent, ( a major menace to Liberian players securing contracts), is back and is in ever- green form. His hunger, commitment, desire and constant knack for goals has made him the main stay in the attack of the title seeking LISCR. 

Another player is Patrick Wleh, alias 'Ronaldinho'. The lanky forward who styles for LISCR is an artist on the ball, as he creates a screen in front the opponents defense. His precision, mazy runs and lethal finishing are things that have been a night mare for opposing defenders. 

Then there is the local "Kaka". A natural ball conjurer who woo fans with his sublime skills, mobility and defense splitting passes that illuminate his side Gedi & Sons attacking forays. Opponents are bothered a lot in playing against him, and they rather be his teammate order than his opponent. These three are amongst the over 30 younger stars who will certainly take the league by storm.

                            Promising Youthful Clubs

With youthful clubs like Andorrence FC (star free zone), Russian- backed  UMC- Roots (fluent passing team), Jasmine Rangers (technically aggressive side), Monrovia Breweries (unweary and unpredictable), PYC- Jubilee ( Football evangelist, keen on spreadining the word of God during league matches), Gedi & Sons (industrious outfit) Barrack Young Controllers (BYC- rampaging club) the young and hungry players revolution is imminent. 

They believe they have a lot to offer, as they have the taste, longevity and productivity to move to the next level. With the averages ages of these teams being 19-23, one can only remain sanguine of the future. 

Those with the hunger will certainly be the ones to watch, as they will show a whole lot.

 In today's game, the younger players are the ones making tremendous strides, and while one cannot negate the fact that the older ones cannot be ostracized, for the sake of future prospect, the younger ones with hunger must be seriously encouraged.

                         Known and Unknown Battle

And so, the ongoing LFA league between the known and the unknown, the accomplished and the uncomplished, the perennial achievers and the perennial underachievers, the experienced and the inexperienced, the mature and the inmature will indeed be won by the latter. 

The side with the young and hungry players will indeed triumph. It is quite obvious that the best goalkeeper, best defender, top goal scorer and most valuable player awards will all be won by players who are young, hungry and competitive.    

                   Older Ones Still Have A Shout

This does not mean that clubs with players with the average ages of 25-29 will not impress, the older ones still have a shout, they could as well emerge as champions, but, mainly in terms of individual accolades and those who will make lasting impressions, those to be termed as new discoveries and new idols will be the younger ones.