MONROVIA, Montserrado – Liberians will be gathering at the various sports venues across the country this weekend to watch the country’s most followed local sports event, the National County Sports Meet.

After more than three months of postponed dates, Liberians will finally have the chance to watch their favorite counties and athletes on the pitch.

Despite the completion of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, the event will continue without track and field for the third year in a roll. This year’s event will consist of football and kickball, after the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that there would also be no basketball and volleyball due to financial difficulties.

The 15 counties have been paired in four groups, with the group matches set to be played across four venues. Of the four group pairings, 12 counties are paired in three groups while three counties were paired in a group.

Group A will be an all southeastern affair between Sinoe, Maryland, River Gee, and Grand Kru. Sinoe will serve as host for the group that will play their matches in Greenville.

Bong will serve as host of Group B that will bring together Grand Gedeh, four-time football champions Nimba, and Lofa. Gbarnga, the capital of Bong, will be the host city of Group B, considered the toughest group.

Montserrado will begin their title defense in Group C, which will be hosted in Buchanan, Grand Bassa. The 2016-17 football champions will have to battle out 2012 football champions Margibi, 2007 football champions River Cess, and host Grand Bassa.

Meanwhile, two-time football champions Grand Cape Mount will have to finish first in Group D if they are to cross the group stage of the County Meet. Cape Mount will play in Group D, which contains one-time football champions Bomi, and Gbarpolu.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.