University League Begins

The University league, otherwise known as the University Games will begin Thursday in Liberia. The League, suspended ten years ago due to the Liberian civil crisis, will be taking place at two venues-the Gbarnga Sports Stadium in Bong County, as well as the Antoinette Tubman Sports Stadium in Monrovia.

The games are under the auspices of the Academic committee of the Liberia Football Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In Bong County, William V.S. Tubman University in Maryland will face Cuttington University of Bong County today, while the United Methodist University will battle William V.S Tubman University on Friday. Cuttington University and United Methodist University will also clash on Sunday.

At the ATS in Monrovia today, the University of Liberia will lock horns with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, while Friday will occasion a clash between the African Methodist Episcopal University and Stella Maria University for three points.

On Monday, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and African Methodist Episcopal University will  show strength at the ATS in game one, while in the second game of the day, Stella Maria University will come face-to-face with the University of Liberia.

Each University has already received a set of jerseys, five footballs, as well as other materials for the tournament.  This year’s University league will feature only one sport, and that’s only football. But officials have assured that other sports would be included next year.

The cost of this year’s maiden edition of the University league is put at US%50,00U, with the Government of Liberia providing US$14,000. Ducor Petroleum is reported to be the only sponsor currently onboard, chipping in an initial amount of US$1,000.00.

US$61, 900 for Amadaiya Rennie

The Swedish league, which kicks off next Monday, is expected to feature a number of Liberia’s internationals this season. Lone Star’s striker, Amadaiya Rennie, formerly of Mighty Barrolle, has already switched club in Sweden ahead of the league. Rennie last played for Swedish top league side, Elfsborg FC last season. The Liberian was loaned from Elfsborg FC to another Swedish side, GAIS FC for half season.

Reports from his new club suggest that Rennie is currently marketed at the rate of forty-four thousand Europe (US$61,900.00.) Meanwhile, two American-Liberians- Arnold Kennedy formerly of Jamaican top side Village United and Anthony Allison of Puerto Rico Islander FC, finally arrived in Sweden, where they are closed to completing a deal with IFK Sundsvall FC in the 2nd Division.

According to the reports, Anthony Allison is a very good striker who began playing in college in the state. After finishing school, he was the first player to sign a professional contract in the Philadelphia local league. He signed with the Puerto Rico Islanders FC, which won the NASL (the second league under the MLS) championship that season.

The players arrived in Sweden with some connections from his uncle Dulee Johnson who plays almost all his football in Sweden. The forward is doing well and the leading goal scorer for IFK Sundsvall FC this preseason. The team also has a game this Saturday, and is looking to improve their good forms. Kennedy is justifying his inclusion as a defender, while Allison is making things to happen as an attacker.