В Мэрилендском округе стартовали отборочные матчи национальной команды с акцентом на местных талантов

Maryland County — The Maryland Sports and Athletes Commission (MSAC) has officially launched the preliminary selection matches for Maryland County’s squad ahead of the 2026 National County Sports Meet, promising a renewed focus on home-grown talent as the county aims to improve on its previous performances. By Peter P. Toe, Jr., [email protected] The kickoff ceremony took place on September 2 at the Martha Tubman Sports Stadium in Harper, bringing together county officials, sports administrators, coaches, players, and supporters. MSAC Chairman Gabriel Tarpeh said the commission is approaching this year’s competition with a new strategy centered on decentralizing the talent-identification process to ensure athletes across the county receive equal opportunity to compete for a spot on the team. Tarpeh noted that the commission organized district-level competitions across Barrobo, Karluway, Harper, and Pleebo to scout talent beyond the county’s major urban centers. “The essence of us going into the other districts is to make sure that we scout our own players and prioritize them, so that tomorrow we can see them representing Maryland County in the first and second divisions,” Tarpeh told journalists. The MSAC chairman acknowledged Maryland County’s past struggles at the National County Sports Meet, but expressed optimism that this year’s restructured preparation will yield a better outcome. He cited increased financial and material backing, alongside stronger collaboration among county leaders and sports stakeholders. “We are prepared, looking at the level of support and unity we have with our council members and county officials,” Tarpeh said.  “We can assure you that we will have a good start, and we are planning for victory in Maryland County.” According to Tarpeh, the commission has already received over 25 footballs for training. He added that the MSAC generated approximately L$200,000 from recent local tournaments, including a standard county competition and an under-15 league. The local government of Maryland County provided an initial US 1,000 to assist with preparations. Harper City Mayor Abraham Jackson pledged an additional LD 150,000 toward this year’s county league, while challenging the technical team to prioritize Maryland-based players. Jackson argued that the county possesses football talent capable of matching Monrovia-based players, provided they receive consistent exposure and playing time. He urged the coaches to avoid overlooking local players in favor of athletes brought in from outside the county. Echoing similar sentiments, Pleebo City Mayor Larry Geekor voiced support for the team’s preparations, stressing the need for unity and a transparent selection process. “We have a lot of resources in the county, and we have talented players,” Geekor said. “What matters is unity and how best we manage the selection of the team. We need the trophy.” Geekor warned that over-relying on players imported from Monrovia undermines local football development and defeats the purpose of the county meet. In addition to municipal support, the office of Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mike Jury announced a L$50,000 contribution toward MSAC’s campaign during the kickoff ceremony. Tarpeh assured residents that selection will be merit-based and centered on local talent, naming Coach Baford, Coach Tio, and Coach Smith among the technical staff tasked with developing the squad. The selection process is expected to last less than a month, after which a final 25-player roster will be selected and placed into camp. With preliminary matches now underway, attention turns to the selection of Maryland’s final squad and whether this renewed investment in grassroots talent can yield a trophy at the 2026 National County Sports Meet. Support Independent Journalism Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers. Support FrontPage Africa Subscribe to FrontPage Africa Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.