Published: October 6, 2025
PAYNESVILLE — The Liberia Football Coaches Association (LIFOCA) has begun a nationwide audit of coaching credentials at all levels of the game, seeking to raise standards and strengthen professionalism across Liberian football.
LIFOCA President Barent Karr Sr. announced the initiative Saturday during a one-day retreat at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville. He said the audit will start at the grassroots level and extend to the national stage.
“We’ve started the process from the bottom up,” Karr said. “From grassroots to national level, we want to make sure our coaches are qualified and capable.”
Karr said the move was prompted by concerns that some coaches’ work is being undermined or misrepresented due to inconsistent credentialing. He warned that those found coaching without proper qualifications will face disciplinary measures.
“Anyone caught in the findings of this process will be reprimanded,” Karr said. “We believe coaches deserve better, and that starts with holding ourselves to the highest standards.”
The retreat, held ahead of the 2025–26 domestic league kickoff, focused on the theme: “The Role and Importance of Coaches in the Development of Football in Liberia.” Participants engaged in working sessions and wrapped up the event with a friendly soccer match.
Liberia Football Association Technical Director Deco Wesseh, speaking on behalf of the LFA, called for tighter standards in coaching education and licensing. He warned against allowing coaches to advance too quickly without proper training, saying it creates knowledge gaps at the top level.
“The improper step of coaches from one level to another can lead to a lack of knowledge at the top,” Wesseh said.
Wesseh emphasized that coaches are “the backbone of football development” and urged closer collaboration between the LFA and LIFOCA.
“Without the Coaches Association, there will be no football,” he said. “The Association must stand as the foundation for developing our game, from grassroots to the national team.”
He also highlighted the need for psychology and age-appropriate training in youth development, warning that Liberia loses promising talent due to mismatched coaching approaches.
Wesseh disclosed that the LFA is working with FIFA to expand international training opportunities for Liberian coaches and revealed plans to invite former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger to Liberia to address local coaches. However, no date has been set for Wenger’s visit.
Beginning this season, Wesseh said, coaches will be subject to pre-match inspections similar to players and will be required to wear identification cards on the bench.
“We will begin inspecting coaches just like the players before games,” he said.
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