By: Perry B. Zordyu
PAYNESVILLE – Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu is advocating for the inclusion of both current and retired Liberian football coaches in the national budget, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term support and recognition.
Speaking at a remembrance ceremony held over the weekend at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex to honor deceased coaches, Minister Bangalu highlighted the often-overlooked sacrifices made by those who have dedicated their lives to football in Liberia.
The event was organized by the Liberia Football Coaches Association.
“Many of our coaches are passionate and selfless in their commitment to the game,” Bangalu said. “Yet, once they retire, they are frequently forgotten by the system they served. It becomes a burden—almost a curse—to have served without any form of support in return. That is simply unfair.”
He called on the government to take concrete steps toward institutionalizing support for football coaches, stressing that national coaches must be included in the country’s fiscal planning.
The Minister vowed that his office will continue to lobby relevant authorities to ensure the welfare of coaches is captured in future national budgets.
He also urged the creation of a sustainable welfare system to protect and empower those who have made lifelong contributions to sports development in Liberia.
“Coaches deserve a life after coaching,” he added. “We owe it to them to honor their service and provide the support they need. We will do everything we can to bring smiles to the faces of our coaches—even when they’re no longer on the pitch.”
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from Liberia’s football community, including current and former coaches, sports journalists, officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and family members of deceased coaches.
Several late coaches were posthumously honored for their invaluable contributions to the growth of football in the country.
