By: Perry B. Zordyu
MONROVIA – The Liberia Football Association (LFA), in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has officially launched the maiden edition of the African School Football Championship in Montserrado County.
The launch ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the SKD Practice Pitch in Paynesville.
According to Mr. Kesselle K. Kanneh, Coordinator for School Football in Liberia, the tournament will bring together boys and girls from 16 high schools across Montserrado County.
He explained that the championship is aimed at identifying young talents who could later represent Liberia’s National U-15 boys’ and girls’ teams at the CAF School Football Regional Championship.
Mr. Kanneh further emphasized that the initiative creates an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, improve their sporting abilities, and engage in healthy competition.
“This is the very first of its kind,” he said. “The LFA and CAF are introducing this competition to promote and strengthen the participation of young people, especially young ladies, in football.”
He disclosed that the tournament will run for three days, featuring 16 high schools, with the winning school receiving a prize valued at US$1,000.
However, the prize will not be given in cash. Instead, the winner will be required to use the amount to implement a tangible project.
“It is a three-day tournament. The winner will walk away with US$1,000, but they will not receive it in cash. They will identify a project not exceeding that amount. We want a visible and tangible impact,” Mr. Kanneh explained.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Mohammed A. Sheriff, Deputy Secretary General of the LFA, underscored the importance of discipline and performance.
He noted that outstanding players could be selected for the U-17 national team based on merit.
Sheriff further cautioned the young athletes to be ambassadors of positive change by upholding the highest standards of integrity and respect for the rules of the game.
