Liberia’s Sports Ambassador-at-Large, Alioune Kebe, has expressed deep appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the trust reposed in him over the past year, as he marked the first anniversary of his appointment to the role.
Speaking in a statement commemorating the milestone, Ambassador Kebe praised President Boakai’s vision under the ARREST Agenda and reaffirmed his commitment to using sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social transformation, and national development.
Kebe, a former Senegalese international footballer, said his appointment in April 2024 served as a major inspiration to push forward impactful initiatives aimed at uplifting young people, especially vulnerable groups, through structured sporting programs.
He credited the progress made during his first year to President Boakai’s belief in youth-centered development and sports as a driver of positive change.
“The initiatives and programs developed over the past year are a direct result of your vision and commitment,” Kebe said, addressing the President. “It has motivated me to work even harder to serve Liberia’s young people.”
Among his landmark achievements is the establishment of the Professional Sports Academy (PSA), which was officially launched in October 2024.
The academy specifically targets at-risk youth, especially those affected by drug abuse, and offers a holistic support system that combines professional training in football, handball, and kickball with academic mentorship, daily meals, medical attention, and life skills development.
The program gives special attention to girls between the ages of 10 and 18, offering them a safe and nurturing environment to build their future through sports.
Building on this foundation, Kebe also initiated Liberia’s first-ever Professional Kickball Academy (PKA), which currently hosts 34 girls aged 12 to 17.
The academy is designed to elevate kickball to a more structured and professional level, giving girls a new platform to compete and grow within the national sports system.
In a related move, he also established a standalone Handball Academy for girls, another milestone aimed at promoting gender equity and broadening female participation in competitive sports.
Another groundbreaking achievement is the launch of Liberia’s first dedicated Goalkeeper Academy, a specialized training program for young female goalkeepers.
Currently based at Invincible Park and the Salvation Army sports facility, the program trains 35 aspiring goalkeepers with professional coaching, fitness regimens, proper sports gear, and nutritional support.
The academy is designed to prepare these athletes for elite national and international competitions, a key step toward building a strong talent pipeline for women’s football in Liberia.
Beyond academy development, Ambassador Kebe has also made significant contributions to Liberia’s competitive sports efforts on the international stage.
He facilitated equipment and logistical support for the country’s U-18 and U-20 basketball teams, ensuring their active participation in regional and global tournaments.
In football, his leadership was instrumental in bolstering the campaign of the U-18 Women’s National Football Team as they embarked on their journey to qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup.
Their historic win over Senegal, a major footballing nation in West Africa, was a proud moment that underscored the potential of Liberia’s youth under structured programs.
Reflecting on his efforts and experiences, Ambassador Kebe pointed to his background as a former international footballer as a driving force behind his work.
He emphasized that sports, when properly supported, can serve as a powerful engine for unity, peace, and national pride.
“I remain fully dedicated to ensuring these programs continue to foster growth, unity, and excellence in Liberia’s sports landscape,” he said.
As he celebrates one year in office, Kebe reaffirmed his vision to further expand Liberia’s sports infrastructure and deepen community-based engagement.
His message to the Liberian people and the government is clear: that with sustained investment and collective effort, sports can serve as a transformative force in the lives of the country’s youth and a foundation for building a stronger, more inclusive Liberia.
