“OPPONG,” What Am I Hearing About IE?

In the field of journalism, we are advised to always “get the other side of the story.” That is, if one hears something, it is advisable to balance the story. However, this piece today is not a news story that requires such treatment. This is a piece to point out my view on an issue that I heard last weekend concerning the status of INVINCIBLE ELVEN (IE), affectionately known as ”SUNSHINE YELLOW BOYS,” the former local club of President George Manneh Weah.

Today, I refer to President George Manneh Weah as “OPPONG” not in a derogatory or disrespectful manner, but to reflect or retrospect on an issue of the past, especially so as it relates to the time when the President played active football locally for the now living dead INVINCIBLE ELVEN (IE) , then, one of the strong First Division clubs those days.

Those days, he was given the nickname, “Oppong,” and was the most reliable, respected player for his goal-scoring skills. He was very committed to the game. The sporting media commonly referred to him by his nickname in their headlines. I am told that the name, Oppong, was given him after a Ghanaian player who exhibited the same soccer skills.

It was while playing for IE he was spotted by a team from Cameroon and later travelled to that country, thus beginning his international soccer career. Later he travelled to France and other countries where he played international soccer for well-recognized first division clubs.

It can be recalled that when Oppong leapfrogged into international soccer, that led him to winning many soccer accolades, including the prestigious “AFRICAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR” and the World’s “FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR.” He is the first African soccer player to capture such great award in Europe.

My concern today is not to do a profile about the President during his soccer days, but to bring to focus on the status of the President’s former club. Last weekend, I heard that IE which has been relegated is still struggling to return to the first division.

Upon hearing this, I was nonplused and in a state of disbelief because there are people, including President Weah, Legal Advisor Archibald Bernard who are in positions to reverse this present status of IE. In fact, Cllr. Bernard even served as president of IE and that position added to his political life.

Few months ago, when IE and Mighty Barrolle were relegated, I frowned on that because of the caliber of leaders and supporters of the two teams which were arch-rivals and the two major teams in
Liberia’s first division league many years ago. I still recall how these two teams pulled crowd.

For Barrolle this time, I am told that Barrolle ascended to the first division again after many years of relegation after buying the spot of another first division team. Howbeit, let it be known that there is one thing buying a spot for the division and another thing remaining at the first division. This is my concern because things still seem to be business as usual.

As an admirer of these two teams, I am not too sure that Barrolle would make a difference because these clubs lack programs and activities to generate funds to sustain the teams.

Disappointingly, what is obtaining today is the result of the “ONE-MAN SHOW,” where the two teams rely on the pockets of their leaders to sustain the team. This has become a culture; until it is “de-culturalized,” IE and Barrolle would always be faced with this disgrace of relegation, despite the big-big names associated with the two clubs.

Let me not forget that many top government officials, then and now, are admirers of IE and Barrolle. Perhaps, this could be so for “political relevance and protection” for public offices, and not really the love for the teams.

I am aware that some of the leaders of the teams tried, but it has not changed the situation, as it is still business as usual. I recall the days of Sam Burnett, Willard Russell and Lawrence Doe of IE and Alhaji G.V.Kromah and Thelma George of Mighty Barrolle, still, progress continues to elude these teams.

Many of the teams we ardently admire in the international soccer community are not making success because of “ONE-MAN POCKET.” This is so because of programs and activities such as marketing. What about simple thing like a massive membership drive throughout the country for IE and Barrolle?

We should know that today, “football is business.?” If we follow this modern trend of the game, I am confident that this would yield fruitful and desirable results, considering the number of persons who admire these two arch-rivals.

Frankly, I am aware of the herculean task before President Weah, as national leader, I decided to draw his attention to the dismal state of the ”SUNSHINE YELLOW BOYS,” the club in which he chewed his teeth to go international. What I am suggesting is for him to ”Look Back,” to see what can be done to help his former team because the state of IE today is appalling, disgraceful and embarrassing.

Figuratively speaking, if one talks about looking back, it is not to say of the eye seeing something, but for one to reflect on the past, especially where one came from. That is, for one to do all he or she can in rendering needed services.
It is because of looking back, that I always try to identify with activities in New Kru Town and also activities of the alumni association of the University of Liberia and that of the D. Twe High School (formerly William R. Tolbert High School).

I believe that where the President sits, he can act to save his former team. I should not be misconstrued as suggesting that he should take over the leadership of the team. NO! This is not what I am saying. What I am saying is for him to take the lead to resuscitate his former team from its present state of paralysis and moribund.

For example, can you imagine what it would be if President Weah, a former key player of IE would be if “OPPONG” decides to spearhead a membership drive or fund raising activities for IE? Predictably, I can say that it would be of great success. Even though he has now turned a politician, he still commands the respect of the sporting public.

Besides, he is also the CHIEF PATRON of sports, something that would also add impetus to such initiative. In such position, he should not be seen as only being concerned about his former team, but as something of ”giving back” to his former team. Such exercise can also be extended to the Diaspora. There are former players and supporters of these teams in the Diaspora that are willing to help sustain these teams.

Let me again say that I refer to the President by his former soccer name, “OPPONG” not with disrespect to the higher office he occupies, but to appropriately address the subject matter.

I have always said that I would never be a part of any situation where the President would be disrespected and denigrated. Even if I disagree with his government’s policies, I would never resort to invectives and disrespect in stating my disagreement.

Let this situation claim the attention of “”OPPONG.” Let the Sunshine Yellow Boys Shine again.
I Rest My Case.