Africa-Press – Liberia. The Principal of Free Pentecostal Global Mission High School in Foya District, has described his institution’s ascent to the National High School Championship as a “testament to resilience” and a signal of the growing influence of sports on rural education.
In an exclusive interview with FrontPage Africa, Sackila detailed the school’s journey from the district competitions to the national limelight a run he says was defined by discipline and a “refuse-to-lose” mentality.
Located in the Tamba Taikor community of Foya City, the school first outlasted five local rivals to earn the right to represent the district at the county level in Voinjama. There, they edged out Voinjama Free Pentecostal Mission High School in a high-stakes penalty shootout to claim the Lofa County title.
The momentum continued into the regional qualifiers, where they faced off against champions from Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount counties, eventually emerging as the titans of Region Three.
“The key moment that brought us this far is teamwork and courage,” Sackila said. “The players, the technical staff, and the administration all played vital roles in this success.”
A Transformative Initiative
The 2025/2026 National High School Kickball and Football Championship is scheduled to run from March 24 to 27. Organizers have announced free entry for spectators to the event, which will congregate elite schools from five sporting regions to compete at the “Home of the Lone Star.”
Free Pentecostal Global Mission High is slated for a marquee football fixture against Montserrado County’s G.W. Gibson High School a match already generating buzz as a “David vs. Goliath” encounter between rural grit and urban prominence.
Beyond the prestige of the trophy, the stakes are historically high. The overall champions will receive US$7,000, gold medals, and a trophy.
Crucially, the winning football team will secure an international scout tour to Ghana or Nigeria, while the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will walk away with US$1,000.
“The prize is highly motivational, especially the international trip,” Sackila noted. “It will provide our students with much-needed experience and exposure.”
Boosting Enrollment and Reducing Dropouts
The Principal further highlighted the “soft power” of the tournament, noting that the school’s athletic success has led to a tangible spike in academic interest.
“It has increased our school enrollment and exposed our brand across the country,” he said. “We are seeing real change. It serves as encouragement, especially for high school dropouts to return and continue their education.”
Since its inception in 2017, the National High School Sports initiative has been praised by educators for improving student retention and fostering a sense of national unity through athletics.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, Sackila remains undeterred by the reputation of his upcoming opponents.
“My expectation is to become the first winner and bring the trophy home to Lofa County,” he declared.
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