Monrovia – Former Ducor Defenders Defender, Prince Tamba, has sounded an alarm over what he calls a sharp decline in the technical and tactical standards of Liberia’s domestic leagues, warning that without serious improvement, the local game will continue to stagnate.
By A. Macaulay Sombai, [email protected] | 0777217428
Tamba, who now coaches Veterans Oldtimers in the Liberia Old-timers National Association (LONA) League, said he has been closely following the Liberia Football Association (LFA) first and second division leagues since returning to the country a year ago.
He said players may be earning more than ever, but they are not playing with the discipline and technical skills required at this level.
“Today’s athletes are being paid well, but their football does not meet the demands of modern standards,” Tamba told FrontPage Africa. “The fundamentals of ball control, accurate passing, and finishing are missing. These are the building blocks of the game, and without them, no system or tactics will work.”
The former defender compared the current league with his playing days at Ducor FC when salaries were low but matches drew packed crowds to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS).
He attributed that popularity to the disciplined and calculated football players exhibited on the pitch.
“Back then, the stadium was always full because people came to see quality football,” he said. “We knew how to control the ball, pass with precision, and break down our opponents tactically. That is what fans enjoyed. Today, despite higher salaries, the quality is simply not there and the empty stands are proof.”
Tamba believes the solution lies in re-emphasizing technical and tactical training at both the club and youth levels.
He urged coaches to “go back to the drawing board” and reintroduce rigorous drills in ball mastery, intelligent movement, and decision-making under pressure.
He also called on young players to take personal responsibility for their development.
“The talent is here,” he said, “but talent without technical discipline will not carry Liberia forward. If players commit themselves to mastering the basics, we can bring back the excitement, restore the standard, and make Liberian football competitive again.”
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