Kaytu Smith: “I am a Good Coach”

                                             Lone Star Coach Smith
 

By Ralph Geeplay

Liberia’s Lone Star embattled head coach, Kaetu Smith faces what is expected to be the decisive moment of his coaching career when he takes on the Nigerian Super Eagles tomorrow in Monrovia. With what is clearly a Goliath vs. David setting at the Monrovia Sport Complex, coach Smith takes his sling against the well armored, star -studded Nigeria side, led by former Nigerian skipper, Stephen Keshi.

Smith was hired when the Italian, Roberto Landi suddenly lost his job when a locally- based assembled Eagle’s squad, led by Keshi trounced the Lone Stars in Monrovia 2-0, in front of a mammoth crowd at the Antoinette Tubman stadium in May this year.

Consequently, the Liberian Football Association (LFA) immediately withdrew Landi’s contract by going on the international market to fill the post after advertising the illustrious Lone Stars coaching position before settling on Smith. Amongst those recommended were: the 2010 World Cup South Korea outstanding Coach, Huh Jung – Moo; the Nigerian tactician, Sampson Siasia; Liberian trainer Thomas Kodjo, and the Swedish handler, Sven Sjunssen. Smith beat them all to the mark!

His appointment proves controversial with many Liberians expression disappointments and doubts in the Liberian FA decision to appoint Smith; prominent among them was Africa’s former soccer King now turned politician, George Weah. The three times African footballer of the year and the only non-European African to win the European footballer award said, “I don’t know Smith. I know Thomas Kojo quite alright and his qualities.

 I can’t still understand why he was sacked and replaced by Smith,” Weah told the BBC. Kodjo was the Lone Star interim head, who beat the Namibian warriors in Monrovia. That victory is said to be the prime reason Liberia is facing the Super Eagles today, according to reports.

George Weah, also voted the African footballer of the century said, “I think that choice, that decision from the Football Association was a mistake and not a good choice for us and our football.”

Coach Smith shot back immediately reminding Liberians and George Weah that he was first-rated coach as anywhere on the planet to be found, when he said, “As for the comment of George Weah, it is his opinion, but I can tell him that I am not a low-leveled coach, but a good coach.” Coach Smith, football analysts say, should prove right that assertion in Monrovia on Saturday when he battles Steven Keshi and the Super Eagles for the first leg of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification ticket.

During the 1990s, Smith managed Liberian club sides Baccus Marine and LPRC Oilers before spending much of his time abroad to hone his coaching skills.

The Liberian manager is said to be a disciplinarian with an eye for talent. Smith, who holds a Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) license certificate A in a recent interview, was un-intimidated by Nigeria’s top gun players and the blitz they intend to bring to Monrovia tomorrow when he said, “Nigeria aren’t like before. They are living in the past, if Guinea could qualify at their expense in the last AFCON qualifier, Liberia can do same too.”Such optimism, say analysts, by the Liberian manager needs to be cautious. Nigerian players are playing in top European leagues and their players are scoring and are in good form.

But his warning to the Nigerians, others say, must not be taken lightly, given that he has tinkered with the Lone Star team, bringing in young players while concentrating on ball possessions, a tight defense and keeping faith in aggressive strikers.

The Monrovia derby between the two West African countries for the South African 2013 representation in the AFCON qualification final round should test Smith tactically and should confirm his statements that indeed he’s a “good coach.” No one dismisses George Weah, especially when it comes to football unless they know what they are talking about, and perhaps Smith does, but the verdict is still out.

As a warning to the Nigerians conceivably, Smith recently sent the Malawian Flames packing when his side notched them 1-0 in Monrovia in anticipation of the head- to- head battle with Steven Keshi on Saturday.

Meanwhile, news reports just in from the Liberian capital, Monrovia, say the Liberian leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has promised U.S.$150,000 to the senior national team, the Lone Star as an extra bonus for the game tomorrow should they beat the Super Eagles. “To the Lone Star team, we expect victory from you and you can expect in return a bonus of U.S. $150,000.Please play well. Please win. I’ll see you at the game on Saturday,” the president is quoted as saying in Monrovia.