Monrovia – Former Liberian international James Salinsa Debbah says the ongoing Elite U-19 Scouting Tournament represents a rare and significant opportunity for Liberia to reassert itself on the global football stage.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
Speaking on Day Two of the tournament at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex (SKD) in Paynesville, Debbah described the presence of top-tier European scouts as a major milestone for the local game.
Currently in the country for the four days scouting tournament are Dimitri Strava owner of D&S agency (UK), Giovanni Gullo (OGC Nice, France), Nikola Vracevic (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Seyi Olofinjana -Chelsea, Strasbourg, UK) and Moyassar Fedil -UK Agent.
“It means a lot, especially for the country as a whole,” Debbah said. “These scouts usually don’t come here. They go to countries that are considered relevant in football. So, this is a massive opportunity for us.”
He quickly added, however, that Liberia’s footballing pedigree should never be underestimated.
“We are relevant. We have produced some of the best players in world football,” he emphasized.
Reunion with Long-Time Associate
The former Lone Star striker was seen in deep conversation with Italian scout Giovanni “Gianni” Gullo during the tournament a familiar face from Debbah’s professional journey in Europe.
Gullo, currently a scout for French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, previously served as an international scout for the club between 1984 and 1989 and later worked during Patrick Vieira’s managerial tenure.
His resume includes scouting roles with European heavyweights such as Juventus FC, AC Milan, and AS Monaco.
Gullo is widely credited for identifying legendary talents early in their careers, notably Zinedine Zidane in 1989 and Patrick Vieira during his time at the AS Cannes academy.
Debbah revealed that Gullo once served as his technical director during his playing days in France.
“He was one of my technical directors when I was playing in France,” Debbah said. “That’s why you saw me having a conversation with him. We have a long history.”
Possibility of Multiple Selections
According to Debbah, discussions with Gullo centered on the raw talent currently on display in Liberia and the possibility of multiple youth players earning opportunities abroad.
“He talked about how talented Liberian players are,” Debbah disclosed. “If the possibility exists, he intends to take more players.”
Debbah suggested that as many as 10 to 11 players could potentially benefit from the exposure generated by the tournament, depending on age eligibility and successful negotiations.
A Platform for Revival
The Elite U-19 Scouting Tournament is organized by Emma Zawadi Jarnyneh’s Poise Sports Management in collaboration with D&S Sports Management. The initiative brings together scouts from across Europe to assess Liberia’s most promising young prospects.
For Debbah, the initiative signals a turning point for a country struggling to return to its “Golden Era” of the 1990s.
“This is how football develops when you bring opportunities home,” he noted. “If we continue like this, Liberia will regain its strong presence internationally.”
As the tournament progresses, hopes remain high that the four days showcase at the SKD could open new pathways for a generation eager to follow in the footsteps of the nation’s celebrated football icons.
Debbah believe the talent exists in Liberia. All that is needed is for the world just needs to see it.
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