The Liberia Football Association (LFA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has appointed Thomas Kojo as the interim head coach of the Liberia national football team. This development follows the resignation of Romanian Mario Marinica after a series of disappointing results and internal struggles.

The End of Marinica’s Era

Marinica, entrusting to lead Liberia to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, had his fair share of impediments during his tenure. The late payments for services and lack of infrastructural and financial backing for the team are obstacles to his progress that eventually caused his abrupt exit.  Despite starting his campaign on a positive note, Marinica’s run with the team ended in frustration.

Thomas Kojo Returns to Lead the Lone Star

A familiar face, Thomas Kojo, who coached the national team in 2018, is now back at the helm of the men’s senior national team. Kojo initially took over from James Salinsa Debbah as interim coach before being offered the permanent role later on. But his time as a head coach for the national team came to an end when the LFA dismissed him for failing in his objectives.

According to an official statement from the LFA, Kojo would take the team through 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers and see Liberia through the remaining fixtures of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The Sierra Leone Challenge will be the first faced by Kojo in charge of the national team, and this will be a two-legged matches CHAN qualifier. The first leg will take place between October 25 and October 27, with the return leg slated for November 1 to 3, 2023.

Liberia National Football Team: Key Matchups and Schedule

• CHAN Qualifiers: Liberia vs Sierra Leone (October 25-27, 2024)
• AFCON Qualifiers: Liberia vs Togo (November 2024), Liberia vs Algeria (Dates TBD)

Kojo’s Strategy Moving Forward

One of Kojo’s immediate challenges will be selecting a competent backroom staff. The LFA has given him the freedom to choose his team, providing him with the tools to implement a strong support system. Kojo must build a cohesive unit both on and off the field if he hopes to steer the Lone Star to success in these upcoming fixtures.

Key Points for Liberia Under Kojo’s Leadership:

• Focus on Team Unity: Ensuring a positive environment after the recent turmoil.
• Tactical Adjustments: Shifting tactics for critical matches against Sierra Leone and Togo.
• Player Development: Fostering growth within the squad, especially in key positions.

Final Thoughts

One immediate challenge Kojo must confront in this new role is that of assembling a competent backroom staff. The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has granted him the autonomy to select his own team, which is crucial for him to build a strong and cohesive support system.

The freedom that Kojo enjoys enables him to consider and select individuals who would fit his vision for the team both on and off the field. To steer the Lone Star to success in the upcoming fixtures, Kojo must ensure that his backroom staff is united, efficient, and capable of contributing to the team’s overall strategy and performance.