MONROVIA, Montserrado- The head coach of the senior national football team, Thomas Kojo has broken silence over his welfare since he was appointed to the position in July.

Kojo told reporters during a post-match conference after Liberia versus Congo game in Monrovia that he has not being given a contract to sign or received salary and immunities for the position, including a vehicle. He said he has only received match bonuses for games Lonestar has played under his guidance as Head Coach.

The coach who also played for the Lonestar however disclosed in a news conference at the Headquarters of the Liberia Football Association that he was optimistic that the contract and benefits for his position would follow later.

“I know these things will be solved. I want to work not because I am desperate to work. This is Liberia national team and I think in a special way, we can give back what we supposed to give back,” he said.

Despite not having a formal contract, Kojo has led the national team to crucial matches, including a win against Congo Brazzaville in the African Cup of Nations 2019 qualifier on October 16. The result marked his first victory.

The coach blasted at sports journalists for being critical on his selection of players, rather than highlighting burning issues affecting the national team. He also criticized the Liberia Football Association for not doing much to lift the team. He said the football association has done nothing to provide him a direct mandate or ensures he receives his salary.

“I have been working since July. I don’t have a contract and I haven’t gotten paid. You guys don’t talk about it,” he said.

Liberia Football Association President, Mustapha Raji addressing the media: Photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.

He wondered if the Lonestar was in competitions to win or for building a team. The coach said he has been working on his own plan because he received no mandate from the football association.

“I have worked with the team for many years and know some of the problems. Looking at the results and the table, anything that happens now [qualifying for the nations cup] will be a bonus it’s not something that we planned to work towards,” he disclosed.

“The football association needs to start working in a professional way and sometimes when you say these things, people don’t love to hear the reality.”

However, the president of the Liberia Football Association, Mustapha Raji has come in strong defense of the football association, criticizing the coach for his comments.

Speaking in an interview with The Bush Chicken, Raji said he didn’t expect such comments from Koji as they came as a surprise.

The LFA President disclosed that although not being aware of the details of Kojo’s contract because his appointment was done by the Ministry of Youth and Sports prior to his election to head the football association, all salaries owed to coaches working under the past administration were settled by his administration, including Kojo who according to him was owed almost US$3,000.

“I have just got here and trying to know how he was employed. He never met me a single day to complain. I was told he was appointed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. I arrived at the Liberia Football Association with some issues from the past administration that needs to be settled. I have started paying the debts the old administration owed coaches from the junior national teams to the senior national teams,” the president said.

“I came and pushed for his [Kojo] per-diem to be increased because it was low. However, he never engaged me on his current situation.”

According to Raji, shortly following his election to the football association, he hired a vehicle for the coach to use during games, instead of riding with the players on the bus as it was when he joined local football governing the body. He also disclosed efforts are underway to get the coach a car for his official use.

“I have come to the football house to try help our football grow. Now that he has raised such issue, I will take all liabilities and forge ahead.”

Featured Photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.