When he burst into the mainstream of modern-day African football, his high-flying debut with the famous Cameroonian side, TKC, Francis sent shockwaves across Yaounde, Accra, and then into Monrovia, where he left 14 years ago.  

 

Merging his inborn skills, God-given support and the ability to adjust very easily and quickly, Francis had the opportunity of repainting the image George Weah had left on the Cameroonian football scene.  

 

Given that early success that saw him cruised TKC into the grand finals of the 2002 CAF Cup competition after nearly a decade of total absence, Francis would certainly not have been forgiven if he hadn’t repeated similar skills at James Griffin, Minnesota Thunder’s home ground.  

 

Francis Doe’s new contract with the US-based A-League team has provoked mixed feelings in certain quarters, and Liberiansoccer.com had been eager to hear from the player himself.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com Beat Reporter, Christian Bruce Wiah, brings you excerpts from an exclusive interview with Francis Doe from his new home in St. Paul, Minnesota.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: Welcome to Liberiansoccer.com and congratulations on your new contract  

 

Francis: Thanks for the opportunity.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: How did you find yourself at Minnesota Thunder?  

 

Francis: I actually came to the US to justify with Metro Stars, but things went the other way round, and I had to take the next-door opportunity.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: What do you mean by the “other way round”?  

 

Francis: Okay! Metro Stars didn’t give me enough minutes to justify. I was totally disappointed and had to choose Thunder who saw something in my play.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: You rejected Metro Stars’ offer to play for their feeder team, Rough Riders?  

 

Francis: Yes. Because I couldn’t play for a third division team with the level of experience I’ve acquired. I think that was too low for me.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: So the Thunder contract is the better deal for you?  

 

Francis: Thunder plays in the A-League and beginning here would add to my experience because there are a lot of experience players that I could learn from.  

 

LiberianSoccer.com: Some football experts are saying that the A-league is too low for someone like you who have played in Cameroon and that you should have began in Europe.  

 

Francis: Every player wants to play in Europe, but if you don’t have the break its better you start somewhere. You don’t begin from the top, and I’m happy to start at the Thunder.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: Why are you happy with this contract when you should have been in far better league in Europe, say Walsall of England?  

 

Francis: Since I left Cameroon almost two years ago, I haven’t played in a competitive league even though I went to England and the UAE. Playing here will help me regain focus and put me in a better shape for the top leagues around the world.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: Cameroon and the US, which l League in your opinion is the better?  

 

Francis: In Cameroon they play physical and play fewer matches. Here from what I’ve seen so far, they play physical too but add some quality to the football and they also play more matches.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: The contract is a two-year loan. How much are they going to pay you?  

 

Francis: Laughs... It’s hard for me to tell you because I want to keep this to myself. The main thing is that I’m happy here and want to get playing football again.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: Do you sometimes feel jealous of Dioh Williams of BK Hacken in Sweden who you played with in Ghana?  

 

Francis: Yes! I have a constructive jealousy for Dioh Williams and its one thing that helps me growing. He’s a good player and I’m confident of playing in Europe one day too.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: What type of Francis do we hope to watch in the A-League?  

 

Francis: I have improved far better than I was in Cameroon. I went on trial in England twice and even played with AL Jazirah on trial in Russia and other places. So expect two times the Francis who was in Cameroon.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: What’s the relation with you and Coach Lagos?  

 

Francis: He says I’m a good striker and sees me as his first choice for the next season.  

 

Liberiansoccer.com: You succeeded in Cameroon to some extent with the help of Ben Teekloh in midfield. Are you sure you’re going to be pampered that same way?