'We
Are Not Enemies', Says Siaka, Yearns For Vibrant LFA
February 10, 2006
Posted to the web February 10, 2006
"We are not enemies despite opposing each other; there are no personal
differences between me and Madam Wesley." These were the exact words
of LFA Vice President for Administration Siaka Sheriff when he spoke
to second division club presidents in a meeting at the Cathedral High
School on Thursday.
He said that there is a need for the Liberia Football Association
(LFA) to be more effective and where everyone would be regarded equal.
He also noted that a lot of positive things need to be implemented,
and there is also a need to have a cordial working relationship
between the LFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) in order to
make the LFA vibrant.
Mr. Sheriff, who was invited by the presidents to outline plans in his
quest to become president of the LFA in the ensuing March 18
elections, noted that he has the concept to take everyone equal and
everyone should be taken as one big family if the country's football
must be developed.
He said as an executive of the LFA he will put forward a blue print
that could not be implemented due to some reasons he did not disclose.
According to him, it is the responsibility of the president of the LFA
to be at the full front in implementing those programs that are being
put forth as enshrined in Article 6, 17 of the LFA guidelines.
Commenting further, the former LPRC-Oilers president noted that there
is no personal difference between him and his competitor Madam Wesley
and by opposing her it does not in any way suggest that they are
enemies.
"We are not enemies, and everyone has the right to do whatever he or
she chooses," he opined.
The experienced administrator said there have been lapses at the LFA,
and there is a need to make amends if the game must improve. M
Meanwhile, Mr. Sheriff has embarked upon a campaign to fully
decentralize football in the country. To ensure that this comes to the
fore, he along with the current LFA Vice President for Administration
Pennoh W. Bestman, on behalf of the Siaka, Pennoh and Adolf (SPA) team
visited seven counties to acquaint themselves with the problems
affecting sub-associations in those areas.
In a meeting with the sub-association chairmen of Maryland, River Gee,
Grand Kru, Sinoe and Grand Gedeh, the team promised to develop
football in the region, and promised to meet on a quarterly basis so
as to cross examine each other for the beautiful game to develop in
Liberia.
They presented four footballs to each sub-association, and promised a
set of nets each as well as referee uniforms which will be presented
by the chief referee of the Liberia Football Referees Association (LIFRA),
who has the cardinal responsibility of presenting license to referees.
They also stressed on the zonal program which will place the country
in zones to enhance the development program.
They then toured the Albert T. White Stadium in Zwedru and promised to
improve things.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Augustine Freeman of Grand Gedeh
expressed delight on the team's visit, and noted that there were a lot
of problems which needed to be addressed.
They pledged to undertake 80% of the cost to fence the Gbarnga Stadium
estimated at L$48, 000. Reports gathered say the funds have already
being made available by the team. The Bong county sub-association
chairman expressed happiness over the gesture.
They also promised to improve the facility at the Nancy B. Doe Sports
pitch in Kakata, which will include the fence, dressing rooms, areas
for reserve players and coaches as well as match commissioner's boots.
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