Safa to
the rescue of Liberia
Safa president Molefi
Oliphant
06/07/2005
Johannesburg - The South African Football Association (Safa) have come
to the aid of war ravaged Liberia.
Safa president Molefi Oliphant and his Liberian counterpart Izetta
Wesley have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two
bodies.
Explained Oliphant: "Liberia asked for our help and we are happy to
show our commitment to helping out sister federations."
Liberian soccer has been devastated by the 15 year civil war that has
ended. Wesley said they are desperate for help in rebuilding their
youth structures.
"After our bloody war we need as many friends as possible and we thank
Safa for their help. Our teams have no money," said Wesley.
The Liberian Minister for Youth and Sport, Johnstone Fahnborde, was to
the point: "If we do not start educating out kids, then in 10 years
Liberia will be 'Gangsterland'. The tragedy of Liberia is that the
youth are used to guns and killing.
"We have to change the minds of these youngsters and rehabilitate
them.
"Football is the unifying force in the world and through soccer we
hope to help rebuild our country and the youth."
Oliphant said that Safa would help Liberia "in kind".
He explained: "We are not offering financial assistance. But we will
give them equipment.
"We will assist them in administration by training Liberian soccer
staff, help them train coaches and referees and share ideas with the
Liberian FA. We have helped other countries such as Gambia, Zimbabwe,
Lesotho and Mauritius in a similar manner."
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