LOCAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has paid tribute to former Liberia national team midfielder and Lonestar coach Josiah Nils Johnson, describing his contributions to the development of soccer in Liberia as worthy of national recognition.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
President Boakai made the remarks yesterday during a courtesy visit to the veteran footballer, saying the gesture was intended to honor Liberians who have contributed to the growth of sports, particularly soccer, despite receiving inadequate compensation for their service to the country.
“I admire the people who have contributed to the development of sports in Liberia. That is why I am here today to recognize and give back to those who have made contributions to the Liberian sporting community,” President Boakai said.
The Liberian leader acknowledged that he was never a sports athlete himself, explaining that his childhood and adult life were largely occupied by work and other responsibilities. However, he said his lack of participation in sports never diminished his interest in the sector or his desire to see Liberia develop a new generation of athletes.
President Boakai stressed the importance of recognizing the country’s sporting history, invoking the adage, “If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future.” He said Liberia must not forget individuals who contributed to national development without receiving adequate compensation.
“We have not forgotten you. The Country has not forgotten. We remember your invaluable contributions to this country that you gave without adequate compensation. We appreciate you,” the President told Johnson.
As part of the visit, President Boakai made a personal contribution toward Johnson’s well-being and pledged to help address some of the immediate challenges confronting the veteran footballer.
Johnson, who played for Liberia’s national team from 1958 to 1971 and later served as head coach of the Lone Star from 1971 to 1979, thanked President Boakai for the visit and what he described as exemplary leadership. Johnson’s tenure as coach included Liberia’s victory over Ghana’s Black Stars in the Six Nations Tournament.
“Here your flower is given you. My entire family is appreciative of your visit and your leadership. We are grateful for this visit and it’s going to be remembered throughout my family history,” Johnson said.
The former footballer also welcomed ongoing development initiatives in southeastern Liberia, particularly road projects connecting Maryland, Sinoe and Grand Bassa to Monrovia.
He said the improved road connections are making it possible for people to travel from Maryland through Sinoe and Grand Bassa to Monrovia in about a day.
Meanwhile, the Boakai administration, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has maintained a token sponsorship program for former Lone Star players under the Former Lone Star Players Association. The program was initiated during the tenure of former Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu.
Association Chairman and former Lone Star defender Washington Blay disclosed that the group receives government support through the Ministry of Youth and Sports budget.
He, however, expressed hope that the amount will be increased, citing the numerous personal and economic challenges confronting retired national footballers.
The President’s visit has renewed attention to the condition of Liberia’s retired sporting heroes, many of whom dedicated years to representing the country but now face difficult circumstances in retirement.
gesture also raises a broader question about whether government support for former national athletes should remain symbolic or be strengthened into a more sustainable welfare system for those who served Liberia on the international sporting stage.
