Monrovia – Following this newspaper’s report of an urgent SOS for ailing former national team Coach Vava George, the Liberian government has taken full financial responsibility of his medical bill as he seeks attention at the SOS Clinic in Congo town.
Report by Christopher Walker, [email protected]
Coach George had to go the SOS Clinic as a result of the swift intervention from the government.
According to Presidential Press Secretary Isaac Solo Kelgbeh in early March of 2019, President George Weah made some financial contribution to the family of the ailing coach.
Kelgbeh said the Liberian leader is very concerned about his former coach’s health condition and is committed to assisting him seek advance medical attention.
The veteran Liberian Coach and a former national team player is currently suffering from severe cold, irregular breathing, loss of appetite, among others, according to his son, Dominic George.
Mr. George according to his son, Dominic George has been sick for about four month now.
He told our reporter that an initial intervention from his church — Our Lady of Lourdes — was made to provide him initial treatment. However, he added that the condition of his father was worsening by the day.
Before he was taken to hospital, Coach George could barely eat and walk properly due to his swollen legs.
Coach George was one time head coach of the Lone Star of Liberia during the famous “George Weah Eleven.” At that time, President George Weah was then technical director of the Lone Star.
Coach George was the head coach of Lone Star when the team took part in the 2002 African Nations’ Cup in Bamako, Mali.
Though the government has taken the financial responsibility of the medical bill of Coach George, report says a former player of the coach, Armah Baxter, has made some intervention to help pay for his treatment.
Baxter said he had made initial contributions but later realized that his coach’s health was not improving so he decided to take him today to the SOS Clinic before the government’s timely intervention.
Coach George has been a role model to many Liberian players and coaches. He was known for his tactical approach to the game, a disciplinary and a principle-minded individual.
He served as former head coach of Mighty Barrolle, Garnersville FC, 24th Street-based Gedi and Sons FC, Monrovia Club Breweries and many others.
According to reports plans are in the making to fly the coach out of Liberia for an advanced medical attention.
