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Barrolle
vs. IE: Legends Clash to Celebrate Liberia's Independence Day in Newark,
NJ
Thursday,
July 23, 2009
By
Benedict "Mama Musa" Wisseh
On July 26, 2008, Liberians at home
and abroad celebrated 161 years of their country’s independence. In
Liberia, the administration of president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and the
people of Kakata, hosted five former African heads of state and other
foreign dignitaries to celebrate our country's independence.
For a country whose future, in
recent past was being pushed into near-permanent destruction by leaders
driven by messianic and Napoleonic delusion, celebrating its independence in
a town where people were killed for pleasure was refreshing and reassuring
that the best is yet to come. In foreign countries, Liberian communities
celebrated the occasion with different programs that were unique to them.
In Newark, New Jersey, the
celebration of July 26 started on Friday night, with a party on Roseville
Avenue, attended by more than two thousand Liberians, friends of Liberia and
well wishers. The event was followed by the real IE vs. Barrolle football
game at Paul Robeson High School on Saturday. Among the well wishers was
Newark City councilman Donald Payne, Jr., an ardent supporter of the Newark
Liberian community and son of New Jersey US Congressman, Donald Payne,
Sr.
The party, which lasted until
dawn was marked by Liberians engaging each other in discussions of politics,
culture, sports, and love for country. Even the loudness of the (African)
music did not interrupt the discussion. However, attendees reminded each
other that “we are all one and must do our best to co-exist and rebuild
our country.” As I eavesdropped on a conversation, I over heard a Liberian
from North Carolina tell his friends that “Liberians should celebrate 161
years of independence with restrained enthusiasm because there is no
achievement of national significance about which to be proud."
But I remained hopeful that
the errors committed for over a century in our nation's history that got us
to this tragic journey will never be repeated. However, what a wonderful
atmosphere it was to see Liberians discuss competing and passionate
political ideas and visions without the usual contempt for each other?
Perhaps, it was so because of the maturity of Liberians and the availability
of Liberian vendors who proudly sold our country's national dishes such as
palm butter and rice, cassava leave and rice, pepper soup, ground pea soup,
kala, and roasted meat etc, etc, to keep us all fed on this historic day.
On Saturday, July 26th, 2008, the
gates at Paul Robeson Stadium opened precisely at 1 PM for the IE vs.
Barrolle game. As the thousands of spectators awaits the football game to
commence, they were entertained by the legendary Moga Band, and the
incomparable Nimba Bird singing her latest release “Jingy.” At precisely
3 PM, the match between IE and Barrolle, accompanied by legendary players of
the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, started to the cheers of the Liberians. Among
the spectators was the guest of honor, Grand Kru County Senator Cletus
Wortorson, who took the kick-off. The game concluded with Barrolle
winning by 2-1.
This year, 2009, the two sides will
clash again at Weequahic Park in Newark, New Jersey on July 25th, to
celebrate Liberia’s 162nd Independence Anniversary. Unlike last year’s
game, this year’s will be free to allow all Liberians to bring their
families and friends along to watch the game, meet old friends, reminisce
about the great games of the past, and enjoy themselves. The game will
also feature the incomparable Santos Maria, Paul Broh, Benrue Collins, Mark
Gibson, Klay Andrew, James “Sanlisa” Debbah, Anthony Gray, Solomon
Sipley, Meally Freeman, Solomon Joe, Christopher Nippy, Simeon Matta, Mass
Sarr, Jr., Musa Kaba, Joshua “Vava” Philips, Mcallum Wleh, Forkay,
Sarkpa, and other football legends of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. After the
game, the players will gather in a meeting to discuss the sad state of
Liberian football, as well as sports in general; and will discuss ways to
improve Liberian football. Also, discussion will be held to consider ways
that former Liberian athletes can be helped or compensated in partnership
with the Liberian government, since these former players gave their time,
energies and resources playing the game and representing their country at
home and abroad.
Yes, there are other IE and Barrolle
games being played in Trenton and Philadelphia, masquerading as the “real
IE and Barrolle” games with Spanish, Jamaican, and Nigerian players.
These games, for what they are worth are meant to make money for the
organizers. For this reason, former iconic players of IE and Barrolle have
disassociated themselves from playing any role in this enterprise, contrived
to hoodwink and exploit the Liberian football fans.
For the Liberian football
enthusiasts, who care about the integrity of Liberian football and
footballers, the place to be on July 25th to watch a purposeful football
game free is Weequahic Park in Newark, New Jersey.
As Anthony “Teacher” Gray
puts it, “Liberian football fans and people have always sympathized with
Liberian footballers." For this reason, I have no doubts that on July
25th, Liberians will come out in droves to watch old-school quality football
game being played by players of reputation and free of charge, than to
pay $10.00 to watch sub-standard football games played by players without
records.
After the game, a reception
will be held at 122 Roseville Avenue in Newark. Drinks and food will be
free.
Benedict "Mama Musa"
Wisseh can be reached at NWisseh14@aol.com.
Editor's Note:
A class act during his days on the football field, the legendary
"Mama Musa" was a dominant player who played for Invincible Eleven
(IE), and the Liberian Lone Star National Team with grace, passion and raw
athleticism, and an inspiration to countless young men who dreamed of
wanting to play the game like him. In retirement, "Mama Musa" is
still a class act. We salute you, my friend for your contribution to
Liberian football.
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