Africa-Press – Liberia. The Minister of Youth and Sports, J. Cole Bangalu, has emphasized the importance of discipline for young athletes pursuing careers in football.
He urging players under the Professional Football Academy (PFA) to prioritize focus, respect for coaching instructions, and academic excellence if they wish to succeed in the sport.
Minister Bangalu made the statement during a surprise visit to the Invincible Sports Park on Tubman Boulevard, where he addressed players, coaches, and officials of the PFA. His message was clear that talent alone is not enough — discipline must be the foundation of every aspiring footballer’s journey.
“I want you all to know that discipline is the most important thing in everything you are doing now or wish to do. If you listen to what your coaches tell you and follow it with discipline, you will surely be successful in your football career,” Minister Bangalu told the athletes.
He urged the players to avoid deviating from the structured training provided by the academy, cautioning against relying solely on personal instincts or informal football experiences gained in local communities.
“The football you play in your communities is just exercise. But here at the academy, you are being taught the basic principles of the game,” he said. “Follow your coaches’ instructions with absolute focus. Don’t assume you already know everything.”
The Minister also highlighted that the PFA is not only focused on football development but also on academic performance. He warned that athletes who fail to take their schoolwork seriously could risk losing their place in the program.
“This academy is for young people who are serious not just about football but also about their education. I will work with academy officials and coaches to monitor your academic progress,” Minister Bangalu added. “I will personally be checking your grade sheets to ensure you are putting in the necessary effort in the classroom.”
The Minister’s visit was warmly received by PFA’s Founder and CEO, Liberia’s Sports Ambassador Alioune Kebe, who thanked Minister Bangalu for taking the time to speak directly to the young athletes and trainers.
“We appreciate the Minister’s visit and his words of encouragement,” said Ambassador Kebe. “His presence here today was timely. We hope the athletes will take his advice seriously, and we look forward to more visits as a way to motivate our young talents.”
The Professional Football Academy has become a major hub for youth football development in Liberia, combining athletic training with education to ensure that future players are well-rounded and prepared for both national and international opportunities.
Minister Bangalu’s message comes at a time when Liberia is pushing to improve its sports infrastructure and nurture homegrown talent capable of competing at the global level. He reiterated his belief that discipline, dedication, and education are the keys that will help transform the country’s sports sector.
“I want to see the next Messi come from Liberia,” he said. “But that can only happen if our young athletes are disciplined, coachable, and committed both on the field and in the classroom.”
The week-long training session at the Invincible Sports Park continues as PFA athletes work toward their dual goals of academic achievement and football excellence.
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