George Weah still bitter about 1999

By James Bakama

The last time he was in Uganda he missed a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier because of a traffic jam on the Entebbe-Kampala highway.

George Weah, who was then at AC Milan, only got into Nakivubo Stadium shortly before the final whistle and helplessly looked on as Uganda beat Liberia.

That was 1999.  But almost 15 years later memories of what Weah describes as an agonizing experience, are still fresh on his mind.

Weah (2nd from right) plays against Uganda in the first leg in Monrovia. He was to miss the second leg at Nakivubo after what he labled 'a deliberate ploy'.

Weah, who is back in Kampala, this time as a head of delegation of Liberia’s national side for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against the Cranes, still accuses Uganda of foul play in the earlier encounter.

After a training session with the Lone Stars at Nakivubo on Wednesday, Weah not only reminded journalists of his 1999 ordeal but also called for fair play on Saturday.

“This time at least I am here under very good circumstances. The last time I came here to play you guys held me and I didn’t play the game. You deliberately took me all over the place and then I missed the game.”

Liberia captain Anthony Laffor takes part in the light training session as he fights to prove his fitness.

Weah insists that the traffic jam was “intentionally set up” by the hosts to keep him away from the match, which the Cranes went on to win courtesy of a Phillip Ssozi goal.

History aside, Weah is now focused on upsetting Uganda. He will however this time be playing a motivational part from the stands.

“I am here to encourage my team,” he said confidently adding “We are here to win. We hope there will be a peaceful environment for both teams.”

Legend George Weah donned his cleats to show the team how its done.

The passion is evident as Weah goes about his new role. 

“As a role model in Liberia, my presence in every aspect of society matters. I am a big brother. Every organization in the country seeks to be around me most especially the national team that made me an African giant. The guys are encouraged to see me. My presence means a lot to them.”

Recounting his prime moments with AC Milan, Weah, who is the only African to have won the FIFA World Footballer of the Year award, explains that besides his talent, his rise to the top also had a lot to do with hard work.

The Liberians were in jovial mood and went as far as thanking the hosts for the hospitality.

“True, miracles do happen. But you have to work for it. You have to work very hard. I was also a very disciplined player. And I also waited for my time with the blessing of God and all the people that helped me especially in Africa.”

He however concedes that there was an aspect of luck.

“I had a lot of injuries in my career. For a player who had more than five major injuries to come back and win a world title was because of prayers, my coaches and all those that helped me. Every time I got injured people in Africa prayed for me.”

Weah tried his luck in goal but its safe to say his footballing skills are suited for a different role.

But he insists that nothing comes freely. “Success is all about hard work. One of my values is to strive to be persistent and consistent.”

He believes Africa has the capacity to produce another world player of the year, but notes that it could take some time.

“We have some good players coming up. The competition is high. You just have to be there at the right time at the right moment, work hard and dominate, that’s the only way you can win.

Liberia coach Frank Nagbe kept a close eye on proceedings from a distance

I won because I was dominating. I hope others African players like Eto'o, Drogba and other young guys coming up also dominate because Africa needs more than one Weah.”

Weah, who narrowly lost the race for President of Liberia in 2005 and currently leads a political party in the West African state, was visibly displeased when the interview veered into politics.

Ex-Internationals enjoyed a moment with George Weah at the end of the session.

“Today is not politics. I came here for sports not politics. I came to encourage the young guys. I have got a week to put politics on the side. In our team we have people with other political affiliations. This is not what we are here for.

I have a responsibility as a peace ambassador of Liberia to encourage the team. I will be glad you asked me questions on how the national team will grow.”