MONROVIA – LPRC Oilers Football Club have announced the appointment of veteran Liberian coach J. Kaetu Smith as its new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division League season.
By: Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]
The announcement was made on Friday during a formal signing ceremony held at the LPRC Administrative Building in Monrovia. Hon. Amos B. Tweh, Managing Director of LPRC and Chief Patron of Sports, described the appointment as a step aimed at rebuilding the club’s competitiveness.
“The signing of a new head coach is a clear testament to our commitment to building a competitive and results-driven team,” Hon. Tweh said. “Coach Smith brings decades of experience, and we are confident that with the right support, he will transform the team into a championship-winning side.”
Coach Smith, a widely respected figure in Liberian football, brings over 40 years of coaching experience to the Oilers. His career includes managing the Liberia national team, Baccus Marines, and most recently, Global Pharma FC. He holds a USSF “A” License and a CAF Instructor Certification and has served as a CAF coaching course instructor across the continent.
In his remarks following the appointment, Smith expressed gratitude to the club’s leadership and pledged to bring renewed energy and discipline to the team.
“I am honored by this opportunity and deeply thankful to the Oilers’ Board for believing in me,” he said. “I will bring my full commitment and experience to help the team achieve great results and restore pride to the Oilers family.”
Friday’s ceremony also included a key leadership transition within the club’s management. Hon. Jacob Julius Smith, Deputy Managing Director for Administration at LPRC, was named Chairman of the LPRC Oilers Board, replacing Mr. Momolu Johnson. The outgoing chairman was recognized for his role in stabilizing the club during its transitional phase.
Coach Smith’s arrival at the Oilers follows his recent departure from Global Pharma FC, where he led the team for three seasons. Under his guidance, Global Pharma won the Second Division championship, secured promotion to the First Division, and established itself as a competitive side in Liberia’s top flight.
In a statement confirming his resignation, Global Pharma FC praised Smith’s contributions to the club’s rise.
“His commitment, vision, and passion have left a lasting mark on the club,” the statement read. “We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Coach Smith as he takes on this new challenge with LPRC Oilers.”
Responding to the farewell, Coach Smith expressed appreciation for the experience and support he received at Global Pharma.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind sentiments,” he said. “I deem it a privilege to have worked with the officials as well as a group of special players who made my tenure memorable. I will cherish those moments forever. I wish the club all the best.”
Global Pharma FC has announced that it has begun the process of recruiting a new head coach.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
