Technical Director Reveals Expectations
 ----we are taking football to another level

By Omari Jackson

 ATLANTA: A day after the newly appointed technical director for football development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, arrived at his base in Athens, Greece, the soccer maestro announced that the journey to the revival of Liberia soccer began four moths ago.

   In a telephone conversation on Saturday, Mr. Kelvin Sebwe revealed that he has been engaged in discussions with several individuals and corporations at home and abroad to set the ball rolling. The following are excerpts with the ex-international, where he explains what he is set out to do, when he was asked, what does his appointment entails.

    Kelvin Sebwe: This is long overdue, for it has always been my passion to take Liberian soccer to an improved level, and I never lost sight of my desire to get this done. I have been charged to chart a significant course for Liberian soccer, so that the game will be supported and developed throughout the country.

    Question: You are aware that the Liberia Football Association has that mandate, and some people may think that your position is duplication with some motives under it, what is your response?

   Sebwe: It is true that the LFA is charged by government with that responsibility, in this case by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop the game, but you may be aware that presently football’s popularity is very low, and the teams are suffering patronage. Hence, it is necessary that some level of support is provided by the government to ensure that the LFA meets its objectives. My role is to coordinate and help the football association realizes that the game gets all necessary support for that objective.

Question: Will that not be a term of interference?

   Sebwe: No, and again it depends on how someone sees it. The objective is to revive Liberian soccer. Presently the leagues in Monrovia are so poorly attended. Majority of the first and premier teams are based in one city, which is Monrovia. But you know that Liberia is not Monrovia, and therefore there is the need to encourage the expansion and also the provision of equipment and all necessary support to encourage many who are outside the capital city to get involved.

 Question: Are the authorities at the LFA excited about your appointment?

  Sebwe: Initially some eyes brows were raised when it was said I was the technical director of the Lone Star, but when it was clarified, after a meeting by both the Ministry and the LFA, of my proper official position, officials there welcomed my appointment and we are now on the same boat. One of our objectives is spreading the game as it has never been done before.

 Question: Is it necessary to hope that Liberian soccer may see many promising features in the near future? Do you have a timeline?

 Sebwe: (He laughs): The task is heavy and I am counting on the support of all Liberians. I am open to suggestions and I am using the media to get the attention and recommendations of all Liberians. Now, to answer your questions, yes, I’m tasking myself that in three years, my major task of establishing a sports academy must be fulfilled. The academy is one aspect of soccer development that I am passionate about. Students will be taught all the rudiments of the game, as well as financial management, discipline when you are contracted abroad, and how to manage your income.

 Question: You are noted for being a disciplined player and many of us who wrote about you when you began your career can attest to that fact. Is discipline in sports that important?

  Sebwe: Absolutely, and this is where the academy will not compromise on. I’m always glad that many people, including those of you who saw the beginning of my career can attest that my parents did not compromise on how respectful I should be in my life. I’m glad that being disciplined to instructions, either from my coaches, sports officials or my school authorities, helped me greatly. And this is what I want to impart into young Liberians who may have the chance to come to the academy.

 Question: You did not abandon secular education for football, and that seemed to have encouraged authorities in Monrovia to elevate your position. Does it mean anything at all, or can we say there is something in it that you may ensure at the academy?

 Sebwe: Yes, one of our objectives is to ensure that future students at the academy must also be those who are highly interested in secular education. The importance of secular education cannot be overemphasized, and hence our program will encourage that. It means students at the academy will not be those who don’t attend secular education.

 Question: You mentioned that you began working four months ago?

  Sebwe: Yes, I anticipated this development when I officially retired. I began making contacts in Europe for sponsorship, since I know that the government of Liberia cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. I have also been holding fruitful discussions with sports officials in Monrovia and they are excited about my role and therefore we are working together to ensure that Liberian football gains new direction.

 Question: I am sure that you are aware of the constant friction between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the LFA about who controls or manages the Lone Star. Have you thought about how to deal with any of such friction in the future?

 Sebwe: At the recent clarification of my appointment, both officials pledged their support to work together. I am like a liaison, working with the two important entities in Liberia. The acting sports minister, Mr. Edwin Tetteh and FA officials are very much interested in the new alliance of cooperation. My role is to build on the unity between the two organizations. I am glad that we are all working together.

 Question: Recently, a news report mentioned a couple of Liberians, living in the United States, who may be interested in joining your team. For example, names like Mr. Rufus Akoi, Mr. George Harris, and of course the good old Adrian Mario Hoff---there may be few others---are you thinking about anything of that sort?

 Sebwe: Yes, I’ve had contacts with the personalities you mentioned, and I am working to hold discussions with them. I appreciate the recommendation for all of us to work together, and I am going to give serious consideration to the individuals mentioned as well as technical coaches and educators in Liberia. I welcome Liberians who are moved by my appointment to join me, and work together to turn Liberian football around for the better.

 Question: In the end, while we in the media wish you good luck and if all works well, is there any chance that the glory days of Liberian soccer may return?

  Sebwe: Truly, I have no doubts on my mind that when all is said and the proper things are done, it would mean that the revival of Liberian soccer has begun for the improvement of the sport we love and cherish so much. And let me take this time to extend commendation to our country’s president, Madam Sirleaf for her extraordinary role in allowing me to take this important role in the reshaping of our country’s soccer development, and let me not forget officials at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Liberian people. I thank them so much for the challenge and I need their complete support.