MONROVIA — Veteran Liberian football icon and former Lone Star coach Josiah Johnson has endorsed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for another term, expressing confidence that the Liberian leader will return to the presidency in the next election.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
Johnson made the declaration when President Boakai paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in the Patience’s Shop Community in Barnersville over the weekend. The visit brought together the ailing football legend, members of his family and the President’s entourage, with Johnson using the occasion to express appreciation for Boakai’s decision to visit him amid what he described as difficult living conditions.
Johnson, born July 27, 1939, in Botaw, Sinoe County, is regarded as one of Liberia’s pioneering football figures. He played for the Lone Star from 1958 to 1971 before serving as national team coach from 1971 to 1978 and subsequently continuing in technical roles.
The veteran football figure has in recent years been affected by illness, leaving him largely confined to his home. The Executive Mansion said President Boakai considers Johnson a longtime friend.
Speaking during the visit, Johnson expressed happiness over the President’s decision to see him during his illness.
“I’m happy to see my friend and brother here in the time of my sickness. The only person I get as my brother now is the radio. When I heard that he has taken a decision to come and see me on my sick bed, I was happy because everything of mine is completely scattered,” Mr. Johnson said.
Johnson also drew the President’s attention to the deteriorating condition of his home and the road leading to his residence. He said the roof of his house is
leaking while drainage problems and construction activities around his property have further worsened his living conditions.
“The rooftop of my house is damaged. Other people want to get property that we got from the past. They don’t know how we got it, they do not know that we work hard for it, because of this, lots of buildings are constructed around me. The water and the drainages are all clogged,” Mr. Johnson said.
Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with President Boakai, Johnson expressed appreciation for the gesture. He added: “I want to say to my brother and friend that our relationship started from the 50s and if he can think about me to come and see me by sending Washington Blade to me, on behalf of my family and myself, I appreciate this type of friendship.”
Football Legend Johnson Backs Boakai
Johnson subsequently used the occasion to praise the President’s performance, describing Boakai as a “God sent leader” and urging the press to report his assessment of the administration.
“I want the press to carry it, in less than four years of my friend’s administration, car was able to leave from Cape Palmer passed through Grandcess, Sinoe County, Grand Bassa to Monrovia in less than six hours. My friend is not only a friend but he is a God sent leader,” he said.
With Liberia’s next presidential election approaching, Johnson expressed confidence that Boakai would secure another term. Mr. Johnson added: “Few years from now, there will be election, but I’m optimistic, I’m over confident that my friend will go back again.”
President Boakai Responds
In response to Johnson’s concerns, President Boakai pledged government support to the veteran football icon and former Lone Star coach. “We have heard your plight,” President Boakai said, assuring Johnson and his family that his administration will work to address the challenges.
The President directed his Chief of Staff to engage Johnson’s family and assess how the government can provide assistance, particularly with repairs to the veteran coach’s house.
President Boakai also committed to exploring measures to restore the road leading to Johnson’s residence.
The President further recognized Johnson’s historic contribution to Liberian football, describing the achievements of past generations of the Lone Star as the foundation for the country’s current national team.
“The Lone Star of yesterday set the agenda for the Lone Star of today,” Boakai said. Johnson’s football legacy includes Liberia’s historic 3–1 victory over Ghana in 1979 and the country’s success in the 1979 Six-Nation Tournament.
President Boakai also highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to develop the next generation of Liberian footballers, including the construction of a football academy.
The visit served as a gesture of recognition for Johnson, whose career has spanned decades as a football player, coach, administrator and public servant.
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