By: Joseph Melto Quiah, Education,

Politics have divided this Sub-Saharan nation – Liberia into two parts categorically but amidst these tension and rigmarole of partizans accross the divide, Football has been the beacon of hope, peace and a haven to alleviate stress but when it matters the most, it failed to the dismay of every Liberian. 

The SKD Stadium has become a fortress for visiting teams recently; A venue Liberians once pride has witnessed 3 defeats in her last 3 hosting. 

With just 1 win (away at Senegal) in Liberia’s last 12 matches, heads are about to roll but before that, we take a deep dive into the chaotic performance of the national team. Have you wonder why the skyscrapers built in the desert of Dubai doesn’t topple? It’s because their Foundation, Beams, Columns and Shear Walls are solid and reinforced. 

https://x.com/fffootballforum/status/1488877359742791684?s=46&t=fupnOUUba0Py0u_lQoo-lQ

Like a structural engineer, a football association must build the foundation (youth teams), put in place Beams (footballing philosophy), columns (qualify technicians) and Shear Walls (Regulations) to hold up the consistent flow and development of talents into the senior squad. LFA has failed on this bigly and we are reaping the byproduct.The highest level in a players career is donning the national colors and one must beyond all reasonable doubts earn the right  for the anthem to be blown over him/her.  Consistently inviting players who aren’t playing regularly for their clubs or are unattached is becoming a normality.  Boison Wynney , William Jebor , Divine Wonderkid Teah and Jamal Arago are all not regular or unattached players who under professional circumstances shouldn’t be called up. Lack of competitive matches are a big deal in a players performance. 

Since 2003, Liberia have been in the process of building a competitive national team for 20 years without any positive outcomes. She has never qualified to any major tournament in these years; it’s been 11 AFCONs, 5 FIFA World Cups and series of CHAN competitions. 

Consistently changing coaches and rotating of players have been the hallmark.The WAFU held in Nigeria promised to be a spark but immediately after the tournament those crop of players were dismantled. The same repeated when Liberia held the tournament few years back. You don’t destroy or dismantle an entire team when rebuilding instead you gradually integrate players while preparing a feeder squad. 

Quality makes the difference individually and collectively whilst Mentality is a force that dares to do. 

Currently, the national team rallies on the individual brilliance of Sampson Kargeoh Dweh Jr. and Murphy Oscar Dorley which isn’t enough. Papee Koko Wleh experience falls short of support and M Keka Kamara  is yet to justify his inclusion on the team. 

would think is about time we give local lads the opportunity but question is, are they ready? 

Since 2019 it was yesterday Edward Ledlum produced that spark of national mentality. Daniel Toe did the same but are they not already World Best Players from yesterday’s game?Our local league is far below, we are ranked 151 in the world but our players are on par with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Without being sentimental or hooked to the proximity effect many will agree in boldness and others in silence that these are the underlying factors affecting Lonestar’s performances and until these can be addressed, Lonestar keep threading on the same path and expecting different outcomes.