VO Sirleaf Gives To IE

By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.

  A former President of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has made financial contribution to the Invincible Eleven (IE) Majestic Sports Association.

  Mr. Momolu VO Sirleaf donated US$100.00 to the IE soccer squad following its goalless draw with the Anchors of the National Port Authority (NPA) in a national league match on Wednesday, March 31, 2009 in Kakata, Margibi County.

  He disclosed that the financial gesture was his way of identifying with the Sunshine Yellow Boys as a sympathizer and fan.

  Mr. Sirleaf said he was moved to make the contribution as per diem for players due to the absence of IE officials at the match.

  “I watched the match and the performance was not so bad. Both teams played their hearts out,” Mr. Sirleaf commented on the match.

  He added, “IE must return to fan support by reaching out to their lovers so they can come back to the team.”

  “They have to reach out to those that are disenchanted. People who feel left out should be reached so it can show ownership by fans supporting with the little they have,” Mr. Sirleaf said.        

  He then spoke on the leadership saga with former IE players objecting to the current management team headed by Madison Tukpah.

  “I am not opposing him (Tukpah), but I don’t know whether he is up to the task. This is the question people are asking because leadership is what IE is lacking,” Mr. Sirleaf explained.

  “If the former players can reach out to everybody, I believe it is leadership. I think they have the vision to do so. I don’t think the current group can do so.”

  Meanwhile, Mr. Sirleaf expressed his deepest sympathy over the death of the late Ben Turtur Donnie, a former IE President, who died on Friday, March 27, 2009.

  Mr. Sirleaf: “He (Donnie) will not be forgotten though he is gone. We are all mourning right now except that there is nothing we can do. He was one of the greatest leaders we had.”