Published: March 17, 2025
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has commissioned FIFA and CAF-approved dugout seats at the SKD Sports Complex.
The commissioning of the new seats follows warnings from the two football governing bodies to the Liberia Football Association (LFA) regarding the continuous improvement of SKD Stadium facilities in line with international stadium standards.
The SKD was among dozens of stadiums banned by CAF from hosting Class-A games due to poor facilities. The ban required massive renovations, including re-grassing, modern floodlights, a standby generator, upgraded dressing rooms, modern first aid and treatment facilities, individual spectator seating, and a well-equipped media tribune, among others.
The ban was imposed on Liberia despite two prior renovation projects funded by the Chinese government, totaling US$18 million, during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration.
In response to the ban, the government under former President George M. Weah initiated a series of renovations, starting with an initial allocation of US$160,000. This funding later increased to US$519,000, leading to significant improvements, including bucket seats, dressing rooms, medical and media centers, doping rooms, and a VIP stand. Additionally, US$700,000 was allocated for installing a FIFA-approved artificial turf to replace the deteriorated natural grass. However, the floodlight system remained unaddressed, preventing the stadium from hosting night games.
Speaking to sports journalists on Monday, March 17, 2025, Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu said the commissioning of the seats is part of the government’s commitment to transforming the stadium to meet CAF and FIFA requirements.
“This is in fulfillment of our theme: Inclusive Development Through Sports. This is 100% GOL-funded through the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” Minister Bangalu said.
He further revealed that upgrading the stadium’s floodlight system would be the Ministry’s next priority to enable the return of night games. Earlier this year, Greenfield Electrical Turf Inc. conducted an assessment of the floodlighting system, marking the final phase of efforts to evaluate and modernize the existing analog infrastructure.
“The stadium was constructed 40 years ago. The lighting system was analog, but now all stadiums worldwide are going digital. That means replacing everything related to the lighting system here,” Bangalu stated.
The Minister also informed the public that the government has made a fifty percent payment to vendors for the stadium floodlight replacement project, with work expected to commence in the next two weeks.
LFA President Mustapha Raji also spoke at the ceremony, commending the government for replacing the damaged dugout seats.
“This is wonderful news for our players and the football community. We at the LFA deeply appreciate this memorable improvement,” he said.
The seats were installed on Monday as the senior national team continues preparations for its two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week.
Liberia will host Group H leaders Tunisia on March 19, followed by São Tomé and Príncipe on March 24, 2025, at the SKD Sports Complex.
Liberia remains firmly in contention, sitting three points behind Tunisia in third place with seven points. The group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Meanwhile, four of the nine group runners-up will advance to a playoff to determine Africa’s representative in the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
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