MONROVIA — Champ United FC Head Coach Henry Lavala says his side’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over King Buju FC has provided a “major morale boost” as the club looks to navigate the competitive waters of the 2025/2026 LFA Third Division League.
By A. Macaulay Sombai [email protected]
The victory, secured in their second outing of the ELWA Sub-Committee league, marks a crucial turnaround for the military-based outfit.
Champ United had previously suffered a bruising 5-3 defeat to Kosono FC in their season opener, a result that sparked early-season criticism of the technical staff.
Promises Kept
Speaking to FrontPage Africa following the match, Coach Lavala revealed that the victory was a result of a pledge made by his players to bounce back from their opening-day nightmare.
“This win is a big boost for my athletes and the team as a whole,” Lavala said. “After that first loss, they promised me they would win this match, and they delivered. It shows the character we have in this dressing room.”
Despite the three points, Lavala remains a perfectionist. He noted that while the team’s “tactical ball possession and shots on target” showed significant improvement, there is still work to be done on the training ground.
“We are back on course, but the players must remain focused. We need even more discipline, better ball control, and sharper finishing touches if we are to sustain this momentum,” the coach added.
Beyond the Pitch
Champ United FC, which is owned by a high-ranking official of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), is headquartered at the Edward B. Kesselly (EBK) Military Barracks along the RIA Highway.
While the club’s primary mission is to scout and develop young footballing talents, Coach Lavala used the victory as a platform to advocate for the “student-athlete” model.
He made a passionate appeal to parents to ensure their children prioritize their academic studies alongside their footballing aspirations.
Currently in their second season in the LFA Third Division, Champ United has set its sights on a top-two finish to secure a coveted spot in the promotional playoffs.
“Our goal is clear,” Lavala concluded. “We are intensifying our training and focusing on physical fitness. We want to be among the top two, and this win over King Buju is the first step toward that target.”
