A new sparkler from Liberia

WHY GOD! And why must thy children cry again...

These sad words kept flashing through a popular Liberian soccer website the other day. Quite understandable, for the African nation had just failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals by just one point.

For a nation devasted by a decade-long civil war, soccer gave the Liberians a chance to dream. And as Liberia kept soaring in the group qualifiers, jolting big guns like Nigeria, Ghana and Sudan, the dreams became bigger.

And how often do you see your country's President dancing wildly in the stands. Well, the Liberian chief Charles Taylor led the celebrations during matches a few times. And often, people even fasted and prayed before matches.

But in the end, Nigeria pipped Liberia at the post and made the grade. And Liberia, which would have made soccer history had it qualified, went into mourning.

Well, the great Liberian tragedy could be a reason for rejoicing in India. For a top star from the African nation, Josiah J. B. Seton, has landed in the country and has signed for FC Kochin, the country's first professional club. Had Liberia qualified for its first ever World Cup, Seton would have been in the rolls of some big European clubs by now.

The 22-year-old Seton, who reached Kochi along with goalkeeper Pewou Best Bestman and midfielder Philip Karnga the other day, is said to be one of the biggest talents to emerge from Liberia in recent times.

Popularly known as `African Dust' back home, Seton was the top scorer in the Liberian league, with 14 goals. Though his team, the Invincible XI finished third, behind Mighty Barolle and LPRC Oilers in a close race, Seton was named the league's `most valuable player'.

The `Highest Scorer and MVP awards' will remain special for Seton, for he received them from his hero, Liberian legend George Weah.

``That's me, receiving the MVP award from King George,'' said Seton, proudly pointing to a photo in his personal album.

George Weah had some good words to say about Seton as he presented the prizes that day. ``He is the next sensation to watch out for. A player of class, Seton is a perfect dribbler, playmaker, scorer and speedster,'' said Weah, according to reports.

Clearly, the Liberians adore George Weah. The man who won a historic hat-trick as World, European and African Footballer of the Year 1995, is a demi god back home. And Weah gave Liberians a reason to dream. A dream where young boys broke the chains of poverty and strife and emerged as stars in a brave new world.

Seton too carries the dream. ``Man, I'll be a George Weah one day,'' he says. ``I'm confident I can make it. I have the talent, ability and courage to make it. And I'm working hard towards it,'' says the winger- cum-striker.

And if his early feats are any indication, Seton seems to be on the right track. When Invincible XI won the Liberian league title after an 11-year break in 1998, Seton was the highest scorer. The team's last title before this was in 1987 and Weah was its hero then. Weah was then the league's MVP and top scorer. He went on to conquer the world.

In a country where children take up football at six and seven, Seton was a late-comer to sport. He began at 12 but was soon his school's top scorer. He never looked back.

``Seton is a very artful player. He is very fast, is a great dodger and his shots are really sharp. And when he is in full flow, you can see only dust, he is so fast. That's why they call him `African Dust','' said the 31-year-old goalkeeper Best Bestman, who has played 29 matches for Liberia.

Well, if Seton is on his way to greatness, why did he land in India ?

It sure does appear strange. A second division German club, Borussia Monchengladback had tried him a few months ago and had asked him to come again. But Seton felt that the Indian offer was better.

``Also, I have friends here, like Sunday Seah. And we are like brothers,'' he said of Bestman and the 22-year-old midfielder Karnga. ``And this Indian trip is just for one season. I'll soon be going to Germany,'' said Seton.Liberian goalie-cum-forward Sunday Seah was one of the big stars of the last National League. Will Seton set the Indian grounds on fire this year ?

``I pray to God, to be the top scorer,'' said the youngster.

Well, Mohun Bagan's Jose Ramirez Baretto could have his hands full this time.

STAN RAYAN

Kochi

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