President honors veteran footballer’s contributions to Liberian sports, praises those who served the nation “without adequate compensation” and pledges support to address pressing challenges
By: John Kamara Taylor
Montserrado– President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., on Saturday paid a courtesy visit to former Lone Star player and coach Josiah Nils Johnson, affectionately known as “JNJ,” in recognition of the veteran footballer’s invaluable contributions to sports, particularly soccer development in Liberia.
The Liberian leader remarked during the visit that his presence at the home of the former national team midfielder was driven by a deep admiration for individuals who have given their all to the advancement of 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 remarked.
A LIFELONG LOVE FOR SPORTS, DEFERRED
The President explained that although he has never been a sports athlete himself, the visit was also prompted by his keen interest in developing Liberia’s next generation of athletes.
“I never lived a childhood life devoted to sports owing to the fact that all my life has been saddled with my work and other responsibilities imposed on me by circumstances,” the Liberian leader explained.
Despite his love for sports, the President said circumstances denied him the opportunity to play but clarified that this never signaled disinterest in athletics. Employing an age-old adage, President Boakai observed: “If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future.”
“WE APPRECIATE YOU”
Speaking on behalf of the Government and every Liberian, the President lauded the sacrifices made by the veteran footballer over the course of his distinguished career.
“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,” he noted.
As part of the visit, President Boakai made a personal contribution to the wellbeing of Mr. Johnson and promised to serve as an immediate solution to some of the pressing challenges faced by the legendary sports figure.
COACH JNJ’S GRATITUDE
For his part, the former national team midfielder who played between 1958 and 1971 and later served as Head Coach of the Lone Star from 1971 to 1979, famously winning the Six Nations Tournament over the Black Stars of Ghana expressed profound appreciation to President Boakai for the visit and his exemplary leadership in steering the affairs of the nation.
“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,” Coach JNJ said.
The veteran coach also voiced his delight over ongoing development initiatives in south-eastern Liberia, noting the transformative impact of the road connections in his homeland.
“I am also happy because of the road connections ongoing in my home and other parts of the South-East. People can now leave from Maryland and pass through Sinoe and then to Grand Bassa, onward to Monrovia in about a day. We are grateful,” he said.
SUPPORT FOR RETIRED PLAYERS
Meanwhile, the Boakai Administration, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports during the tenure of then Minister Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu, initiated a token sponsorship program for all former Lone Star players under the umbrella of the “Former Lone Star Players Association.”
The Association, under the chairmanship of former Lone Star defender Washington Blay, who made the disclosure, is receiving subsidies from government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports budget. Blay expressed the hopeful expectation of future increments in the amount, given the multitude of personal life challenges confronting retired national football team players.