LoneStar Exclusive Interview :
Zizi Roberts Appeals to Pres. Taylor
For Players' Confab
May 31, 2002

Not much has been heard about the Liberian national football team since its dissolution by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, following the team's lackluster performance in the last African Cup of Nations, As the 2002 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers linger around the corner, the fate of the Lone Star remains uncertain: it is not known whether the configuration of the new Lone Star would comprise the professional players or the new breed of talents that the Liberia Football Association president Edwin Snowe spoke of during opening programs of the National Football League.

Pro player Zizi Roberts is however one of those who harbors optimistic views in relation to the Lone Star's future as far the Nations Cup is concerned. He said there are a lot of gifted players in the squad and once the needed things are made available, everything else will fall in place. Zizi is however appealing to the Lone Star chief patron, President Charles Taylor to quickly convene a special conference for Lone Star players to bury the differences that may be affecting the team's survival.

Lonestarsoccer.com Beat Reporter Christian Bruce Wiah caught with Zizi Roberts recently while the celebrated Lone Star utility player was vacationing in Ghana. Below are excerpts of the interview.

C.B.W: Since the African Cup of Nations there hasn't been much as regards the Lone Star.

ZR: Yes! It's very unfortunate to see the national team declining simply because we didn't play to expectation in Mali. In fact many of us, especially me, have been neglected by the LFA for reasons we are yet to be told.

C.B.W: What exactly in your opinion needs to be done to save the team from decline'

ZR: I have always contributed my restless efforts to the growth of the national team and don't know what will really deter me from upholding this habit. Although I am being ill treated by the LFA, it's only love for Liberia and football that are keeping me around today. I am honestly appealing to President Charles Taylor who happens to be the Chief Patron of the national team to call a special conference for Players of the national team. This conference, I believe, will enable us deliberate freely and speak our minds to the unfair treatments we continue to receive. I have a lot of respect for the Chief Patron and knows very well he can help thrash out the differences affecting the Lone Star. It is very much important that we hold this player conference to bring back the spirit and determination we shared during the 2002 Qualifiers. Besides, this conference will open renewed confidence for Liberian football especially with Tunisia 2004 just closing on us.

C.B.W: The players of the national team weren't relating to the LFA very cordially prior to Mali 2002 African Nations Cup.

ZR: FAs all over the world are supposed to be responsive and ensure that their players are properly taken care of. In Liberia today the situation is different. Players of the national team are often disrespected and termed as ingrates simply because we demand what is due us. All over the world players demand bonuses on their way to major competitions and Liberian players won't be the exception. If the LFA weren't able to meet the demands we'd made before the African Cup of Nations although we knew they had the money, they would have negotiated in a more gentle manner rather than inciting us against other people. What we'd requested weren't able to compensate for the work we had done, after all, we make prettily lucrative sums playing for our various clubs.

C.B.W: You sustained an injury against Mali playing the libero in place of Joe Nagbe. Have you recovered'

ZR: Thanks for much for this question because I have long been waiting to express myself to the LFA especially the President Edwin Snowe for neglecting me. Since I got injured playing for the National team none of them have asked me about my recovery least I talk of helping to find solutions to the pain am still feeling. I am deeply surprised that Zizi Roberts, who had suffered with the national team since 1995, could have been neglected after twitching my left foot playing against Algeria. After we were kicked out, I want back to Greece hoping that the FA would assist me recover. I didn't want to talk at Mali because the world saw what happened to me but because things turned bitter for the team, all the officials packed their bags and left, leaving me limping. If it weren't for my team Olympiakos Piraeus, I would have been lying in the hospital by now. The attitude of the FA and Liberian football officials highlighted their insensitivity and complete disregard for players of the Lone Star and if these are to continue, Liberian football won't move a step.

C.B.W: What is the relationship like amongst players of the Lone Star after that disappointing journey to Mali 2002'

ZR: Frankly, I have been able to talk to everybody that made the trip to Mali following the Tournament, but for us that play in Greece; Oliver Makor, George Gebro and even Joe Nagbe who didn't make the trip, the relationship had been good and we talked a lot about the growth of the team. We, the young players have so much to give to Liberia just as we'd been doing and once the respect and peaceful environment are created, nothing could stop us from giving our hearts.

C.B.W: Weah has finally departed company with the Lone Star and most of you guys are fond of him.

ZR: Weah's departure is very unfortunate especially when we have gotten so used to him because of his indescribable love for Liberian football. Weah gave us the enthusiasm and liveliness we needed to break our bones for the national team and I don't know who could actually fill the gap his leaving has created. Weah has infused all that Zizi Roberts can boost of regarding football. He added sufficient fragrance and qualities to my amateur skills and I've assimilated so much playing with him.

C.B.W: Many Liberians at home and even those outside are suggesting you could be the next George Weah.

ZR: (laughs!) The skills Weah have can never be measured to that of any other African player and even in world football. It's very difficult to imitate him because he's always changing each time you try learning what you'd seen him do before. The greatest things I have learned from him is to be sacrificial, honest, determined and committed to the game of football. Weah taught us never to allow trivial things derail our attention when it comes to contributing to the national team. He is more than a coach and player, but rather a true and unconquerable football icon.