By Amadu Kromah, Guest Contributor
The Liberia men’s U-17 national team have begun a vigorous training session ahead of the impending WAFU A qualifier scheduled to commence in October.
In preparation for the competition, Robert Lartey, a CAF instructor, license A holder, and head coach of the Liberia Men’s U-17, has assembled a group of talented young players to justify inclusion in the final squad.
The preparation commenced on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the famous Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia’s capital. The group will undergo a rigorous screening process before the final selection.
Liberia is expected to compete against some tough opponents at the WAFU A qualifier. As part of the Liberia Football Association’s project to develop football at the grassroots level, the training is an extension of the ongoing Talent Development Scheme (TDS), which FIFA launched in February 2022, and then introduced by the LFA on December 10, 2022.
Under the supervision of Technical Director, Doco Wesseh, with support from FIFA/CAF, the FA has launched a scouting program for the ages U-10, U-12, U-15, and U-17, which is currently being trained and monitored.
Since It is believed that the foundation of every successful football nation is at the grassroots level, the Liberia Football Association with support from FIFA/CAF has embarked on a thorough project.
When keenly implemented and financially backed, will eventually reap the desired results due to the plethora of talented kids that have been scouted by the football association. The forthcoming WAFU A qualifier is scheduled for October, and Senegal has been given the green light by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the competition.
Coach Lartey, along with his technical team; will have ample time to assess, train, and then select the best of the best to represent Liberia at the prestigious WAFU-A tourney.
Liberians are longing for a positive result following Liberia’s failure to compete in the last edition hosted by Mauritania in 2022, due to allegations of age fraud, which led to Liberia’s subsequent disqualification.
Backed by enthusiastic Liberians, and fully supported by the football association, the Liberia Men’s U-17 are determined to make their presence felt on the African continent.
