Published: November 26, 2024
As part of the implementation of its Talent Development Scheme (TDS), the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has assigned Tanzania’s Ammy Ninje as Talent Coach in Liberia.
The FIFA Talent Development Scheme is designed to nurture talented players and raise the standards of national football teams worldwide. To support its member associations, FIFA launched the Talent Coach Program, which aims to establish high-quality youth academies and provide support for young footballers globally.
Ninje, a UEFA A License coach, joins more than 40 coaches assigned globally under this initiative. He will earn $80,000 annually for a two-year tenure. While in Liberia, Ninje will mentor selected local youth coaches, enhance the abilities of the U-15 national team players, and assist in developing the U-17 national team.
Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha I. Raji described the project as a significant step in strengthening grassroots football in Liberia. He expressed optimism that the initiative will equip future generations with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed on the global stage.
Raji noted that Liberia is one of five African nations selected for the project. A batch of young players from U-15, U-12, and U-10 categories will be camped at the George Weah Technical Center for the two-year period. “For the two years, the Liberia Football Association will ensure the players are fed three times a day. We will cover all their schooling activities, clothing, and everything,” Raji disclosed.
He further explained that FIFA will pay the Talent Coach $80,000 annually for the duration, while the LFA will provide local staff to work alongside Ninje. Raji added that the academy is expected to be officially launched in March 2025, with ongoing upgrades to the George Weah Technical Center in Careyburg, Montserrado County, to make it conducive for student-athletes.
On the selection process, LFA Talent Development Coordinator and former senior national team goalkeeper Nathaniel S. Sherman revealed that the final selection of players for the academy will be done by the FIFA Talent Coach during the National U-17, U-15, and U-12 leagues. He emphasized that height and physical structure are critical factors in player recruitment, noting that goalkeepers, defenders, and strikers must be at least six feet tall. However, shorter or smaller players with exceptional skills will also be considered.
Sherman acknowledged that one of Liberia’s challenges in international tournaments has been the height and size of players. He also highlighted the importance of age transparency in the recruitment process, a recurring issue for the football association.
“Before the U-17 team’s recent trip to Senegal, we took 50 players to Sierra Leone for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests. Less than 20 passed the test, which was a waste of money because we spent $400 per player,” Sherman lamented.
He appealed to parents and grassroots program owners to ensure players are registered with accurate ages in the Connect system, stressing that age transparency benefits everyone involved.
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