To
Beef-Up Oilers Strength for Championship
Koko And Two Ghanaians Arrive
Wednesday
Oilers on the Attack in the LFA League Last
Season
March 1, 2005
LPRC-Oilers were a big flop last season despite its huge signing of
some of the countries leading players at the time. The likes of Takpoh
Sonkaley and Steve Mennoh both of whom were incisive midfielders,
joined the club with heavy weight of expectation. But, their efforts
did not prove well as the Oil Boys ended the season empty headed.
The two players left the team in order to seek greener pastures as
they are now in the world's largest Muslim State, Indonesia.
But, it seems the Oilers want to expunge their dismal form last year
as they have contacted three players currently in Ghana to augment
their strength in the ongoing LFA Premiership chase.
Former Junior Professional inventive midfielders James Koko Lomell
along with two Ghanaians are expected to arrive on Wednesday to dorne
the gold and black uniform of the Sarlee Sarlee side.
Koko, who left the country on March 8, 2002 for South Africa through
the gesture of the controversial promoter Arnu Cooper, featured for
South African first division club Maritzbury City along with fellow
countryman Thomas Kojo.
The 18year old crafty midfielder cum striker was his club's top
scorer, before a groin injury kept him on the side line for most part
of the season.
Due to his superb ball artistry mesmerizing dribbles and clinical
finish, he won the hearts of many South Africans, including former
South African tactician Clive Barker describing him as a genius.
The polishing diamond as he was fondly known in many South African
quarters, had offers with Premiership sides Manning Rangers and
Hellenic.
But, lapses on the part of his manager and club Maritzbury impeded his
transfer.
This young lad of improvisation made his debut for the National team
in the 2004 Nations Cup qualifiers against the Sylli Nationale of
Guinea, when he became one of the few foreign-based players who
stiffened the predominantly refugee side. The game eventually ended
2-1 against the Lone Star.
After the polishing diamond sour relationship with his club,
Maritzbbury due to their inability to allow him sign on with a
premiership side, the sleek teenage footballer became frustrated and
was suffering from nostalgia.
Lomell then returned to Ghana, an area that became his adopted
country. He had a short stint in pre-season matches with Premiership
side Sekondi Hasacas where he scored three goals in five matches.
But, the deal could not go through after transfer certificate sent by
the LFA for Koko and former Invincible Eleven speedy winger Johnny
Bleede, was compelling the Takrade based club to pay huge sum of
money. A decision the club was furious with and decided to abort the
deal for the two players.
Lomell is coming back home to re-launch his career, but pundits
believe the Oilers' decision to bring the trios will certainly
generate some verve and excitement in the Premiership.
As Urey Tourney Kicks Off: Youths Urged To Exhibit Fair-Play In his
quest to acquaint himself with residence of the Sinkor Community and
harness the talent of Youths in the country, the Clemenceau Urey
Tournament kickoff on Saturday of last week amidst great joy and
mirth.
The program which took place at the Tubman High School Sports Pitch on
12th Street, brought to the fore some young and promising prospects
who are to exhibit their worth in this week long competition.
During the opening program, the honoree Mr. Urey called on the young
athletes to be honest and exhibit fair play. He further stated, with
honesty and fair play Liberia will go forward, and added that in this
way we would avoid the mistakes being made in the past.
Mr. Urey has been a strong advocate of youth's development.
Observers believe his keen interest in molding the minds of the
leaders of tomorrow is a worthwhile undertaking especially in these
critical periods in our country's history.
He is no doubt a prodigious individual who have promoted many young
athletes both on the local and international scene.
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