20-Man
Lone Star Delegation Off To Addis
 March
27, 2003
Siebo D. Williams
Monrovia
Following the Chief Patron of Sports, President Charles Taylor's move
to overturn Youth and Sports Minister Max Dennis' decision to withdraw
the national football team, the Lone Star, from the 2004 African Cup
of Nations qualifiers, a 20-man Lone Star delegation departs the
country today for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia via Ivory Coast.
A release issued by the Liberia Football Association (LFA) yesterday
said the team will later depart Abidjan on Thursday night for Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. The Football House also said the Government of
Liberia provided some funds, while the LFA gave additional funds to
facilitate the team's trip.
Heading the delegation is LFA Executive Committee member, Peter W.
Kabia, while members include Mr. Christian King--Sports Specialist at
the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kadalah Kromah--Head Coach, J.
Wortoh Anderson-Administrative Manager, Joseph "Kofi Bruce" Sion-Assistant
Coach, Dr. Phiderald E. Pratt-Team Doctor, Abraham Kaba-Masseur and
Siebo D. Williams-Journalist for Liberiansoccer.com
Other members of the delegation include goalies Lartee Jackson
(Invincible Eleven) and Boye Pratt (LPRC Oilers but linked to
Barrolle), defenders Varmah Kpoto (formerly of Greece), Shelton Barlee
(LPRC Oilers), Rufus Sarlue (Barrolle), Janjay Innis (based in
Switzerland), Midfielders Frederick Vah (Barrolle), Larmin Ousman
(formerly of Sweden), Oscar Glaydor (St. Anthony FC), strikers Isaac
Tondo (St. Anthony FC), Henry Gobah (LISCR FC) and Takpo Sonkarliey
(Mighty Blue Angels).
Six foreign-based players are expected to join the local delegation in
Ethiopia from their respective bases in Europe. They are defender George
Gebro (Greece), defender Jimmy Dixon (Sweden), striker Alvin 'Power'
Kieh (Cyprus), midfielders Edward 'Zico' Dixon (France) and Bill
Neewray (Switzerland).
In a brief chat with our Sports Desk yesterday, head coach Kadalah
Kromah said with only six foreign-based players invited due to
financial constraints, 90 percent of the team will comprise
local-based. "This is why we have always called for the building of a
local-based team," he added.
He said the local players will be blended with the six professionals
for the match in Addis, and Liberians will continue to given their
support to the team.
Lone Star takes on Ethiopia in continuation of the 2004 African
Nations' Cup finals.
Lone Star must pull at least a draw to keep her campaign on course. A
win will be an added advantage, while a lose will mean Lone Star will
have to win her remaining two games at home against Ethiopia and
Guinea and away to Niger to qualify.
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