By S. Siapha Mulbah
Frustration has swept through the hearts of many Liberian sports enthusiasts following a recent statement by the iconic George Manneh Weah, expressing that he has moved beyond the idea of establishing a football academy in Liberia. For years, citizens have believed that such an initiative would significantly improve the country’s sporting sector, particularly by empowering young people with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in football.
The former World Best Player made his feelings clear during an interview at the 25th birthday celebration of his son, Timothy Weah. When asked about the prospect of setting up a football academy in Liberia, Weah bluntly stated that he had no plans of establishing such a project in the country. This revelation, delivered in a casual conversation with journalists, has shocked many within the sports community, as many believed the legendary footballer would eventually fulfill this long-awaited promise to develop the next generation of Liberian footballers.
In the interview, Weah reflected on his own contributions to Liberian football, asserting that during his playing days, he helped bring global recognition to the country’s national team, the Lone Star. He went on to say that his financial contributions were significant in ensuring that Liberia gained football recognition around the world. However, his words have failed to ease the frustration of those hoping for a more direct and lasting investment in Liberia’s football future.
The statement from Weah has triggered sharp condemnation from a range of Liberian sports stakeholders, including fans, former players, and football advocates. Many have called on the former president to reconsider his stance, urging him to return to the sector that helped elevate his global profile.
One such critic is Jame Konowa, better known as Pep Guardiola in the West Point community. Speaking to this paper, Konowa expressed his disbelief, saying, “It is inappropriate to hear such a statement from someone the entire world celebrated because of the game he played.”
Konowa emphasized that thousands of young Liberians dream of playing football professionally and have been inspired by Weah’s legacy. He added that these young talents are looking to their icon for guidance and support in realizing their dreams.
“We are in a country with many young people looking in the direction of this great football icon for inspiration. Making such a statement is a betrayal of the trust and support we placed in him, both during his time on the pitch and his political career. Since his retirement, he knows there is a generation behind him looking up for a tangible legacy,” he said.
In addition to the disappointment expressed by fans and sports figures, Weah’s claim to have made Liberian football the “greatest” has also faced heavy scrutiny. Calvin Johnson, a well-known critic, questioned Weah’s assertion, pointing out, “When did former President Weah make Liberian football the greatest? Liberia’s national team never won any tournament or championship during his playing days. The last championship Liberia won was in 1979.”
Johnson also questioned Weah’s financial contributions, suggesting that they were, in fact, funded by the government of Charles Taylor, during whose presidency Weah played.
Winston Mah, another critic, urged Weah to view football not just as a political tool but also as a profitable business venture. “Go and build an academy. It is a lucrative business,” he wrote on Facebook, encouraging Weah to shift his focus and consider the economic opportunities inherent in such an investment.
He noted that if the former player feels he has passed the stage of contributing to football, he should also know that he has passed the age of ever coming near the presidency he cannot in any capacity be the hope for Liberia.
This statement also raised question considering George Weah previous role as chief patron of sports during his presidency. Despite his international recognition, Liberia’s national football team continued to face significant challenges, including difficulty securing travel funds and the mounting debt of the Liberia Football Association (LFA).
Under Weah’s leadership, the Lone Star’s performance on the pitch remained unimpressive, with no major victories to their name, leading many to question his commitment to the development of the sport in Liberia. This has led to an ongoing debate on whether the country’s footballing future would be better served with new leadership and fresh investment from figures like Weah.
The statement has undoubtedly left a bitter taste for many who once believed in his ability to bring about change and development in Liberian football. While he may have contributed financially in the past, the lack of long-term investment in the football sector has left many wondering what the future holds for the sport in Liberia.
As the sports community continues to voice their frustration, the question remains: Will George Weah reconsider his position and leave a lasting legacy in Liberian football, or will the country’s next generation of football stars be left to find new role models outside of the icon who once inspired them all?