Published: January 28, 2026
MONROVIA — Veteran Liberian coach Francis Sarploh has given the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the Liberia Football Coaches Association (LIFOCA) 48 hours to take action against newly appointed Deputy Technical Director Nathaniel Sandii Sherman, condemning Sherman’s recent remarks as “blatant disrespect” toward licensed coaches.
Sherman has faced mounting criticism since publicly challenging CAF A and B license holders to prove their technical superiority after questions were raised about his qualifications for the deputy technical director role. He vowed to resign if any coach could “cross” him in football competence — comments widely criticized for trivializing professional coaching certification.
Sarploh, a former Lone Star U-20 head coach and current technical director of First Division side Borough FC, spoke out after initially remaining silent. In a Facebook post, he said Sherman’s remarks dismissed decades of work by certified and experienced Liberian coaches.
“With all I think I have contributed to soccer in this country as an administrator and a coach at both club and national levels, I chose to be quiet about this disrespect for some good reasons,” Sarploh wrote. “I am drawn into this now because he tagged me in his so-called apology.”
Sarploh warned that failure by the LFA and LIFOCA to respond within 48 hours would trigger a stronger reaction, though he did not specify what form that action would take.
Widely regarded as one of Liberia’s most accomplished local coaches, Sarploh is credited with developing several national-team players, including Lone Star captain Oscar Dorley, striker Sylvanus Nimely, and Marcus Macaulay.
Apology Follows Backlash
Amid growing backlash, Sherman issued a public apology to the Liberia Football Coaches Association, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate.
“I recognize that my words were inappropriate and failed to reflect the respect and appreciation the Coaches Association and coaches across Liberia deserve,” Sherman said. “It was never my intention to disrespect the Association or undermine the hard work of coaches in our country.”
He said he takes “full responsibility” for the comments and pledged to act with greater professionalism, calling for unity and collaboration in developing Liberian football.
Qualifications Under Scrutiny
The controversy erupted shortly after Sherman, a former Lone Star goalkeeper, was appointed deputy technical director of the LFA. Media practitioners and football stakeholders questioned his qualifications for the role.
In defending his appointment, Sherman cited his experience as a video analyst, fitness coach, and CAF/FIFA educator, noting that he is nearing completion of his CAF License B.
However, his public challenge to licensed A and B coaches drew sharp condemnation across the football community.
“While it is true that the position does not clearly specify the license required to serve as deputy technical director, Sherman’s response was reckless and disrespectful,” said Emmett Stages Glassco, president of Upper League Women’s Club Senior Female Professional and former first vice president of the Coaches Association of Liberia. “It undermines the credibility of A and B license holders.”
As of publication, neither the LFA nor LIFOCA had publicly responded to Sarploh’s ultimatum.
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