MONROVIA – As the Lone Star Mobilization Committee appeared before the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 4, the Chairman of the Committee, Rev. Dr. Luther Tarpeh, seized the opportunity to appeal to members of that august body and by extension the Legislature, to allocate between US$5 million and US$10 million for the national soccer squad – the Lone Star.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Rev. Dr. Tarpeh said such funding will go towards supporting the development of Liberia’s national football programs, as investment he described as critical to restoring national pride and improving the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.
Addressing lawmakers during a presentation during the 8th Day sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 3rd session of the House, Rev. Dr. Tarpeh highlighted the longstanding financial challenges facing Liberia’s national teams, including unpaid hotel bills in several countries and inadequate accommodations for players during international assignments.
According to him, the lack of consistent financial support has negatively affected the morale and performance of players who travel from top leagues around the world to represent Liberia.
He recounted instances in which members of the Lone Star were reportedly housed in substandard accommodations during international competitions, arguing that such conditions undermine efforts to achieve success on the field.
Rev. Dr. Tarpeh stressed that football development requires deliberate and sustained investment, noting that several African football powers, including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, have achieved successes through strong government support and targeted funding for their national programs.
He urged lawmakers to take the lead in prioritizing sports development, drawing comparisons to previous administrations that provided substantial support to the national team through bonuses and direct financial assistance.
The committee chairman further claimed that Liberia currently offers some of the lowest bonuses to national team players in the region, a situation he noted, is discouraging for athletes who continue to represent the country despite limited resources.
With Liberia drawn alongside Rwanda, Cape Verde and Mali in qualification competition for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Rev. Dr. Tarpeh said the country has a realistic opportunity to qualify if adequate resources are made available to support the team’s preparations.
He pointed out that the proposed funding would not only benefit the senior national team but would also support the development of the Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 teams, as well as women’s football programs.
The appeal comes as the Lone Star prepares for an international friendly match against Sierra Leone, where newly appointed head coach Mohamed Adil Erradi is expected to begin evaluating players and implementing his plans for the national team.
Beyond football, Rev. Dr. Tarpeh described sports as a powerful tool for national unity, arguing that support for the Lone Star can help bridge political divisions and bring Liberians together around a common cause.
“Football has the ability to unite our people regardless of political affiliation. When Liberia succeeds on the international stage, the entire nation celebrates,” Dr. Tarpeh told lawmakers.
He urged members of the House to support the funding request, expressing confidence that greater investment in sports would motivate players, strengthen national cohesion, and inspire Liberia’s predominantly youthful population.
Rev. Dr. Tarpeh’s presentation was followed by plenary deliberation upon which a motion was proffered for the establishment of a seven-man committee to support Lone Star’s AFCON qualification bid and even beyond.
The committee is chaired by Rivercess County Electoral District #2 Representative Steve Tequah, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports. Montserrado County Electoral District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe will serve as Co-chair, while Montserrado County Electoral District #15 Representative Abu Kamara has been named as a member.
Other members of the committee include: Lofa County District #2 Representative Julie F. Wiah and Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative, Jacob C. Debee.
