Africa-Press – Liberia. Mustapha Raji, President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), is calling for a radical overhaul of the National County Sports Meet, proposing that the football category be restricted to Under-20 players to better serve as a talent pipeline for the national team
The proposal, which aims to shift the tournament’s focus from mere “celebratory” sport to structured development, also includes a demand for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to compensate local clubs whose players are “borrowed” for the annual month-long event.
A Focus on Youth Development
Speaking on the need to realign the competition with international football standards, Raji emphasized that the County Meet is the ideal stage for scouting, provided the age bracket is lowered.
“We need to recommend to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to change the dynamics of the National County Sports Meet,” Raji stated. “Let’s make use of only the U-20 players, because this is where we go to get players to participate in national competitions.”
Under current conditions, the tournament often features a mix of seasoned veterans, first and second division players, and third division players.
Raji argues that by transforming the tournament into a youth-centered tournament, Liberia can create a more reliable pathway for identifying stars capable of competing in CAF and FIFA youth categories.
“The County Meet should be about developing young talents. That is where we can discover the next generation of stars,” he added.
Compensation for Clubs
In addition to the age cap, the LFA boss is pushing for a financial policy that recognizes the burden placed on local clubs.
Currently, clubs lose their key players to county teams for several weeks, often disrupting their own training cycles and risking player injury without any financial recourse.
Raji argued that since clubs invest the technical and financial resources required to nurture the players, they deserve a “developmental incentive.”
“It is only fair that clubs receive some form of compensation considering that their players form the backbone of County Meet teams,” he noted.
Tradition vs. Reform
The National County Sports Meet remains Liberia’s most prestigious and unifying sporting event. While Raji’s proposal is seen by many as a necessary step toward modernization, it may face pushback from traditionalists who enjoy the high-stakes nature of the competition, which often relies on experienced, older players to secure provincial pride.
If adopted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the reform would represent one of the most significant shifts in the tournament’s history, potentially bridging the gap between grassroots passion and professional excellence.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
