Coach Ammy Ninje, a talent development coaching expert of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has officially begun a talent development mission in Liberia, marking a new chapter in the country’s football development. Arriving in Monrovia on November 18, Ninje wasted no time in engaging with local football officials and players, setting the stage for a transformative period in Liberia’s football landscape according to a release issued by the Liberia Football Association.
Following an initial meeting with LFA’s technical department and youth national team coaches, Ninje launched his hands-on coaching sessions with the U15 national team at the renowned Blue Field, a key venue for local football activities. His immediate involvement in grassroots football underlines the commitment to enhance Liberia’s talent development and elevate the country’s position on the global football stage.
Ninje’s arrival comes after a comprehensive assessment by a FIFA delegation led by Selvey Roy Dean, Head of FIFA’s Talent Coach Department, and Ousmane Savadogo, Regional Technical Director for West Africa. The delegation’s visit was designed to evaluate the progress of Liberia’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and identify areas for growth, ensuring that the nation’s football system continues to evolve in line with international best practices.
A UEFA A License coach with extensive international experience, Ninje was selected by FIFA to work directly with Liberia’s football stakeholders as part of the global TDS initiative. FIFA talent coaches like Ninje are assigned to various Member Associations around the world, tasked with establishing a uniform coaching philosophy across TDS academies. The aim is to develop a strong coaching network within each country to nurture young talent effectively.
Ninje’s wealth of experience, including his previous roles as Technical Director of the Tanzania Football Association and Academy Coach at Hull City in England, positions him as a key figure in Liberia’s football development efforts. His work will focus not only on refining the skills of local youth coaches but also on enhancing the abilities of U15 national team players, while assisting in the formation of the U17 national team.
This initiative represents a significant milestone in the LFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots football, offering future generations of Liberian players the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to excel on the international stage. With Ninje’s guidance, Liberia’s football community is poised to take a major step forward in building a sustainable and successful footballing future.
As Ninje continues his work in the coming months, his contributions are expected to leave a lasting impact on Liberia’s football infrastructure, helping to lay the foundation for the country’s next generation of football stars.
