---Programs in Monrovia, Ganta, Gbarnga, Harbel, Kakata


Photo from 2008 Program in Liberia

By Omari Jackson

ATLANTA, DEC. 01: Lucky Liberia soccer fans! The yuletide season will be climaxed by the presence of an array of Liberian soccer players from around the world, and who are coming home to launch its 2nd Annual programs aims at providing the Country with various sporting entertainment.
At the time that sports has been facing serious setback, where it is reported that fans prefer to watch European games at the expense of local games, the temporary visit of Liberian stars around the world may provide the tonic that is lacking in the game for so long.
But some questions need to be asked. Some of the questions are: Who are those stars coming? And another is, what do they have to offer? While I may not be specific in answering the two questions, I can surely confirm that more than twenty current and former soccer players and officials, living abroad, will be arriving in Liberia, starting December 15, as part of United States -based PRO-USA, to participate in awareness games in Monrovia, Ganta, Gbarnga, Harbel and Kakata.
In a telephone interviews with former ex-Lone Star defender, Ansu Sirleaf of Philadelphia and former Junior Professional Moses Baysah of Minnesota, the following players have all confirmed their participation:
Coming from Philadelphia is Edward Dualu, who played in the maiden edition, last year. From Greece is George Boe, Dogo Wesseh is coming from Chicago, Frank Seator (ME), Francis Doe (Egypt) and Alex Brown is coming from Indonesia.
Other players are, the Doe brothers, Jefferson, (MN), and Ezekiel. And here I need to hold my peace, for a moment. Did you ever hear that Liberia once had a player by the name of ZICO? In fact he was so popular that when his sister later was recruited to join the leading female soccer team in Liberia, (Lioness FC), she had no choice when she was described as LADY ZICO.
And if I am trying your patience, then the answer is no one than Ezekiel Doe who played for St. Joseph’s Warriors and later moved on to Invincible Eleven. He was one of the exciting players in Lone Star.
It was several years later before Europe opened its arms to receive African players. Imagine what was missed?
Coming from Holland is Kolo Mulbah, known as Pelleh Oppong. Ope Myers and Tarnue Baysay will be coming from Ghana, and David Suah and Kama Kamara will join the team in Liberia from Philadelphia.
Ex-Lone Star, Kervin Sebwe will be arriving from Greece and Ben Teeklo will join the team from Israel. Did you hear that Kervin retired recently? He may have retired actively playing for the national soccer team, Lone Star, but he is still active in the game.
Responding to an email message I had sent him earlier, Kervin could not hide his admiration, saying an organization like PRO-USA, was long overdue, and on the sorry state of affairs of the game in general, Kervin could not hide his frustration.
He wrote: "Indeed, it's a shame to see what's happening to Liberia, and the continuous improvements of other African countries, particularly our neighbors. We did not take advantage to take our national team to a higher level when God blessed us with talented athletes because of the lack of organizational skills. We could have made a difference in a lot of sports if things were in place despite 14 years of war, but instead we are back to zero. It is useless trying to blame others; rather we must restructure our organizational objectives and do better. We (Liberians) must take responsibility in rebuilding our country in everything."
On the establishment of PRO-USA, Kervin said, "I must commend you guys again for taking the lead from the USA." He had earlier contacted PRO-USA’s Jefferson Doe, expressing his appreciation for the organization.
On deceased ex-Lone Star players, Kervin wrote, "It is a shame to see how former Lone Star players died and how they were interred.
"That isn't fair and we must find a way to end this. Players (back home) are in bad situations and need immediate help, otherwise we shall have re-occurrence what happened those who died.
"My retirement program last June was intended to recognize and create awareness of football players. The message was well absorbed by the people (of Liberia) and highly welcomed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. We can continue from there and make a difference. We who are abroad must ''impact Liberia'' now by our knowledge and experience we've acquired, and I know with God above, we can do it."
At the time of this report, phone calls were coming in from other Liberian atheletes in Europe and elsewhere, to show their interest in PRO-USA, and to confirm not only their arrival in Liberia but to reaffirm their commitment to this noble Organization.
"We encourage such recognition," Mr. Duannah Siryon, Executive Director of PRO-USA, who is also part of the delegation to Liberia, said, when told of Mr. Sebwe’s interest in the organization. "We welcome him and all his support." Mr. Siryon further reiterated his call to all Liberians and friends of Liberia irrespective of political affiliation to join hands in this endeavors as it’s in the best interest of our Republic.
Meanwhile, PRO-USA’s technical director, Professional Coach Youssef Darbaki, will also be in Liberia, where he will follow-up with sports officials to conclude the possibility of taking over the national soccer team, Lone Star.
PRO U.S.A. Inc. is a charitable/Non Governmental Organization with headquarters in the State of Minnesota, United States of America. The intent of PRO USA is geared towards partnering with other world humanitarian organizations in its endeavor to empower and capacitate youths in identifying their potentials through sports.