The Story of Francis "Grand Pa" Doe



12-08-2003 (Monrovia)  -     One group of people believe that football players are made, while another argues that football players are born. But whatever the bickering is, a brilliant football player is anyone gifted with the ability to create chances, pass well, assist, defend and of course, score goals.
 

PLAYER PROFILE

        Francis Forkey Doe alias Grand Pa, a Liberian refugee, is a player any scout would place a bet judging from the unrivaled talent the lad possesses. The soft-spoken 17 years old, gifted with a sharp sense for the world's most attractive sport, believes in his potentials and dependability.

      "Firstly, I believe in God and then my potentials. I believe that when you are determined to do something, you'll have to work very hard towards that and pray faithfully," Doe says.

      Forced into refugee life by the horrifying Liberian civil war at the age of 6 years old, Doe along with his large family has always asked for the best out of his football talents.

      His father, a former Law Enforcement officer, who believes in his son's future more than the player himself, confesses that the entire family sees little Doe as their symbol of success.

      "If my son maintains his football powers my family stands the likelihood of creaming the shadow that has taken hold of us for so long," asserts Anthony Bleeten Doe, Sr.

      At the age of ten, Doe began attracting the thoughts of football funs playing in the rocky and dusty pitches at the intimately populated Buduburam Refugee camp in Ghana. But for the youngster, his refugee identity means nothing to foil his natural affection for football, an excitement he first realized when he was only 3 years old.

     A smart attacker blessed with two striking legs, Doe remains on and off the ball, disciplined on and off the pitch, prays daily and is in bed before 10:00PM. "This youngster has shown byword for the game, and won't be surprised if he makes the highest levels" claims Tony Payne, a Sports Journalist.

      Adored by everybody that sees him play, his leading admirers are Roger Milla, Winfried Schaffer, George Weah, Prince Daye, and a host of other great footballers whose traces he hopes to drift on.

     Having waived several persuasions to play for Liberia – a small country with few heroes being weighed down by wars and infirmity, Doe adds to the exact time to represent Liberia will soon come. Growing in confidence, something that buds from his upbringing , he takes his football subtleties beyond the borders of his refugee hiding place.

     Featuring in the Cameroon Division 1 League might appear very challenging especially for a teenager. But with great determination the 17-year-old led the team in goals scored and played a fabulous role helping TKC reach the grand final of the 2002 CAF Cup.

     "Francis reminds Cameroon of George Weah, and we're privileged to benefit from his qualities as we were when the former World Best came to TKC in 1988," observes Essomba Eyenga, TKC President.

     After only nine matches in Africa's toughest league, he was voted the Best Foreign Player and Third Best overall scorer.

     The Cameroonian National Team's Coach, German Technician, Winfried Schaffer in a quote from one of the local newspapers describes Doe: "He's a bursting attacker any manager would be in love with because of his immense quality in the goal area."

    For the enterprising Liberian footballer, the Cameroonian experience is a bolster to his fetching career and acknowledges that he has learned so much from the players and coaches of that great football nation.

    "People always told me Cameroonians are tough and rough, but I got to know myself and I have built my determination playing amongst the experienced players of Cameroon," Doe indicates.

    Asked about the exposure he gained from his six international appearances with TKC in the CAF Cup, he proclaims, "my achievement rubbing boots against the Algerians, Tunisians and Ivorians, some of whom are currently playing in Europe, gives me great confidence in my ability to play European football."

    And as a manifestation of his guts to compete at the highest level, the 17-year-old had the distinguished honor of showing his worth in England earlier this year.

    The Chief Scout of Walsall FC of England, Rob Rickwood admits that: "Francis Doe has a big reputation for someone as young and has proven to us he has the ability."
After a two-week long trial, which ended with the youngster pulling a tendon in his thigh, the Saddlers chief scout attests: "It wasn't an ideal time to bring him over to this country but we wanted to be the first to give him the chance and as a result, we've first option to have a look at him this season."

     With so much poise about Doe's endearing prospects, which hopefully will include tryout spells in Italy, France and England, he is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to equal the challenges ahead.

     He is secured that when it is time to unveil his qualities, he will never look back. Maybe there is a reason why he was placed on this earth on December 25th, 1985-Christmas Day.