Former Mighty Barrolle goalkeeper and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports, Zoegar Wilson, has dismissed financial constraints as a valid excuse for the relegation of Liberia’s two most historic football clubs, Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven (IE) from the First Division, calling instead for a total structural overhaul of both teams.
Speaking from the United States, Wilson described the simultaneous relegation of the two traditional powerhouses as a wake-up call for Liberian football and urged immediate action to avoid further deterioration of their legacies.
“It’s a sad day for Liberian football,” Wilson said. “This is not just about one bad season. These problems have been building over many years. Decisions need to be made now, or we risk losing the essence of these legendary institutions.”
Wilson, who played for Mighty Barrolle between 1985 and 1989, said the relegation of the clubs after the 2024/2025 season cannot be blamed solely on financial issues.
Instead, he pointed to systemic failures in management, lack of accountability, and inadequate player commitment as primary causes.
“IE and Barrolle should not be struggling for support,” he stated.
“There are huge problems in Barrolle and big changes must be made. Everyone from the board to the players and former coaches must take responsibility.”
Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven, once dominant forces in Liberian football, failed to accumulate enough points during the season to maintain their top-flight status.
Wilson said their relegation is a consequence of longstanding neglect and a lack of proper vision.
“We weren’t relegated on the final day. We were relegated over the course of the entire season because we simply weren’t good enough,” he said. “We haven’t given our loyal supporters anything to cheer for. We let them down.”
Wilson also expressed concern over the clubs’ overreliance on a few individuals for funding, noting that the current model is unsustainable and leaves the institutions vulnerable.
“Support used to come from people who had both the money and the love for these clubs.
Today, even if there are those who can afford it, many just aren’t willing to step in,” he explained.
“When people put in effort and don’t see results, it discourages them from continuing their support. That’s what has happened with Barrolle.”
Calling for a full-scale rebuild, Wilson stressed the need for fresh leadership and the recruitment of players who are committed to the club’s values and history.
“There are a million questions that need to be answered,” he said. “Players need to leave, new players need to come in, and those running the club must decide the direction Barrolle will take. It’s about taking ownership and responsibility.”
Despite his critique, Wilson expressed willingness to offer guidance, though he emphasized that the responsibility for change ultimately lies with the current club officials.
“I’ll give my opinion, but it’s up to the officials to choose the path forward,” he said.
“If we keep blaming the same old excuses, the clubs will continue to decline.”
Wilson concluded by warning that without urgent reforms, the situation could worsen in seasons to come.
