MONROVIA — Borough Football Club has officially announced the return of experienced goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibarly, who has rejoined the club on a free transfer following the mutual termination of his contract with LPRC Oilers.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
Koulibarly has put pen to paper on a two-year contract, returning to the club that nurtured him from a promising young talent into an experienced, internationally recognized shot-stopper.
The goalkeeper departed the club for LPRC Oilers at the end of the 2024–25 season, spending a single campaign away before making his highly anticipated return to Borough FC .
His comeback marks another chapter in a long-standing relationship that has spanned the club’s multiple identity transformations from Monrovia Club Breweries to Global Pharma FC, and now Borough Football Club.
Koulibarly first left the club in 2017 to join the now-dissolved Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) before returning for a subsequent stint.
During his previous years with the club, he was part of squads that captured two Liberian FA Cups currently known as the Orange Cup and two Second Division championships.
Transfer Interest and Race for His Signature
Before securing his return to Borough FC, Koulibarly was heavily linked with several other top-flight Liberian clubs.
Sources close to the player reveal that he was initially linked with Fassell FC, though negotiations ultimately stalled when the club could not meet his demands.
He was also linked with a potential move to LISCR FC, though no official confirmation was ever released by the club, despite widespread belief that the player was open to the transfer.
Reports further indicated that national teammate Tommy Songo was enthusiastic about welcoming him, but club officials ultimately felt the move was not the right fit.
Most recently, Heaven Eleven appeared close to securing his signature before Borough FC intervened at the crucial moment to bring their former star back home.
Sarploh: ‘His Return Is a Major Boost’
Speaking during Koulibarly’s unveiling, Borough Technical Director Francis Sarploh described the goalkeeper’s return as a major asset to the squad.
“The return of an experienced goalkeeper like Koulibarly is a major boost to the club,” Sarploh said, noting that his veteran presence will also aid in mentoring Borough’s younger talents.
Koulibarly joins a goalkeeping department that already features Terry Toe and Armah Kiadii Jr., establishing a competitive blend of youth and experience between the posts.
However, Sarploh made it clear that historical reputation alone will not guarantee a spot in the starting lineup.
“It is time for Koulibarly to give his all to the club and also fight to reclaim his position with the national team,” Sarploh stated. “He is an experienced player, but he will not get the starting position because of his name. He has to show it in training and in games.”
Koulibarly: ‘This Club Is a Family’
For Koulibarly, returning to Borough represents far more than a standard professional transfer.
“It’s great to be back where it all started for me as a young player,” Koulibarly said, emphasizing that his deep emotional connection to the club made the decision effortless. “This club is not just a football club. It is a family, and I am here to help take this club to the next level.”
The experienced goalkeeper promised supporters unwavering commitment on the pitch, adding that his return feels as though he never truly left.
“I will fight for my club and my position. Let the fans expect even more from me,” he said. “It feels like I never left the club, and I can’t wait to begin my second homecoming.”
He expressed deep gratitude to Borough management and acknowledged the instrumental roles played by Head Coach Theophilus Bedford Jr. and Technical Director Francis Sarploh in facilitating the deal.
“Coach Bedford and my dad, Francis Sarploh, played a key role in this, and I can assure them that I am grateful to them and will always remember them,” Koulibarly noted.
A Homecoming for the Borough Family
Koulibarly’s arrival injects vital leadership, depth, and competitive edge into Borough FC’s defensive structure as the club navigates the domestic season.
From Monrovia Club Breweries, through Global Pharma, and now firmly established at Borough FC, Koulibarly remains an integral part of the club’s evolving history. After a year away, the trusted guardian is back where it all began.
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