Plus
For LFA
May 2, 2006
As you may know by now the Liberian National Female U-20 on Saturday
held their visiting Nigerian counterparts to a tension packed 1-1
draw in the final round of the FIFA U-20 women World cup qualifiers,
dubbed Russia 2006.
The match which was played at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in
Monrovia was the first ever female international in the country.
The local female side reached the final round after first gaining
passage to the next round without kicking a ball due to the
withdrawal of their Guinean opponents.
Then they stunned host Algeria 3-2, and the second leg that was
scheduled for Monrovia two weeks later did not take place due to the
withdrawal of the Algerians.
But much of the credit for the team's success must go to the Liberia
Football Association (LFA) through the able leadership of Madam
Sombo Izettta Wesley and Liberia's International Coordinator for
sports, Steve B Davis.
After the pronouncement by the National Government through the
Ministry of Youth and Sports that it could not commit itself to
sponsoring the team's trip to Algeria, the LFA took the mantle of
sponsorship and has made tremendous strides.
Through the innovation of Madam Wesley, world football governing
body FIFA dished out US$32,000 to facilitate the team's trip to
Algeria which eventually paid dividend.
Also, the LFA, through the instrumentality of Mr. Davis, signed a
lucrative sponsorship deal with the highly rated South African based
company Bahlodi, which is under the helmsmanship of the influential
business man Aziz Kara.
The company provided thousand of dollars worth of equipment to the
female U-20, an arrangement many describe as one of the best ever in
the country's football history.
The presentation, which was made through Mr. Davis at the offices of
the LFA, served as a spur to the team, as they did the damage to the
Algerians.
Both Madam Wesley and Mr. Davis have been hailed by many, and are
hoping that such ventures would continue as a means of enhancing the
country's football program.
Moreover, pundits say as the female U-20 prepare for their epic
second leg fixture against the Nigerians on May 13, Bahlodi should
make similar gesture in motivating the team.
Another plus observers say is the amicable working relationship
existing between the LFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and
are of the conviction that if this continues Liberian football will
be on its rightful footing.
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