Africa-Press – Liberia. Newly appointed head coach of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division side Down Town FC, Tarpha Manneh, has described his new role as a challenge. He has, however, promised to help the team maintain its spot in the top tier of Liberian football.
In an exclusive interview with FrontPageAfrica, Coach Manneh revealed that his appointment was not a surprise but rather a testament to the trust placed in him by team officials. He expressed his desire to work closely with his technical staff and the players who have been with the team since their Third and Second Division days.
“I describe my appointment as a challenge because I have coached two of the most powerful First Division clubs in Liberian football—LISCR FC and FC Bea Mountain—as well as the Lone Star U-20 squad,” Manneh said. “But DT is a newly promoted First Division team, and the upcoming LFA 2025/2026 national league will be their first time participating in the highest division. I need to work hand-in-hand with the team’s former head coach, Jasper Kun, members of his technical staff, and the players to create a better team that can withstand the challenges ahead.”
He also urged the team’s captain and players to focus on both their group and individual training to prepare for the upcoming national league.
CEO Roberts Explains Manneh’s Selection
Down Town FC’s CEO, Pokah Roberts, stated that the club chose Coach Manneh after carefully observing his past coaching performances with LISCR FC, FC Bea Mountain, and the Lone Star U-20 squad. Roberts expressed confidence that Manneh will help the team finish among the top three in the upcoming LFA 2025/2026 national league.
While Roberts did not disclose the length of the contract, he called on the coach to carry out his job according to the rules of the game. He stressed that player selection must be based on merit, not friendship or official orders, and that Manneh should feel free to discipline any athlete who fails to follow the team’s codes.
Roberts also extended his thanks and appreciation to former head coach Jasper Kun, his technical staff, and the players for promoting the team to the First Division. “I’m pleased to pay tribute to former Down Town FC head coach Jasper Kun, members of his technical staff, and players for a job well done,” Roberts said. “It was through their hard work that the team qualified for the LFA Second and First Divisions within two consecutive seasons. They all worked together for the common growth of DT, and I want them to join hands with our new head coach so that the team can finish at the top of the First Division table, which could help us participate in CAF or WAFU competitions.”
Finally, Roberts thanked the team’s fans and sympathizers for their support during their Third and Second Division struggles and called on them to continue their support in the coming league season.
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