The Head coach of the Liberia Women’s National Football Team, Selam Kebede, has revealed that her mission at the upcoming West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A Women’s Championship is to build a stronger, more cohesive squad and not to chase short-term victories.
Speaking at a pre-departure press conference in Monrovia, Kebede emphasized that the regional tournament in Mauritania, scheduled for May 18 to 31, will serve as a development platform for her young side.
Liberia has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, and Mali.
“This tournament is part of our rebuilding process,” Kebede said.
“We are not heading to Mauritania just to win games.
My priority is to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses, give our young players international exposure, and continue forming a competitive unit for the future.”
The 21-player squad traveling to Nouakchott features a blend of experienced and youth, with the majority of the players in the youthful category.
Kebede believes the tournament presents an ideal opportunity to test tactical systems and improve team chemistry ahead of more significant competitions.
“I signed a four-year contract with the Liberia Football Association to rebuild the women’s national team,” she said.
“This tournament is an important step in that journey. We are not just preparing for WAFU. We are preparing for the Africa Women Cup of Nations and potentially the FIFA Women’s World Cup down the road.”
Liberia finished third in the 2020 edition of the WAFU Zone A tournament. While a better result is always welcome, Kebede has made it clear that long-term development outweighs any podium finish this year.
“This team is being built for sustainability. Every match will be a learning experience, and mistakes will be part of that growth,” she added.
“We are focusing on building a culture of professionalism, tactical intelligence, and resilience.”
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has echoed Kebede’s sentiments, reiterating its commitment to grassroots development and the professionalization of women’s football in the country.
The LFA believes that nurturing young talent and providing international opportunities are key to long-term success.
“We want to create a pipeline of talent that can consistently perform at the continental and global level,” an LFA official said.
“Coach Kebede’s approach fits our strategic goals, and we are confident that her leadership will transform the team.”
The team’s journey to Mauritania is seen not just as a tournament appearance but as a critical phase in shaping the future of women’s football in Liberia.
With the focus firmly on growth, player development, and tactical experimentation, Liberia enters the WAFU championship with a vision that looks far beyond May 31.
“Our goal is not just to compete but to evolve,” Kebede concluded. “This is about the future of women’s football in Liberia and that future starts now.”
After completing months of training, the team departed home soil Thursday, May 15, 2025, for the Mauritanian Capitol Nouakchott where they are expected to spend over two weeks participating in a regional tournament with decimal expectations of winning.
