January 26, 2024
Monrovia – The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) second division side Spartacus says the lifting of the FIBA ban on Liberian basketball activities is a significant boost for the sports and players with a passion for the game.
Wellay T. Baar, in an interview with FrontPage Africa, mentioned that for the past five years, Liberian teams have not participated in any FIBA tournaments or competitions due to the sanction imposed on the LBA by FIBA. This ban resulted from a misunderstanding between members of the then LBA administration under Rufus Anderson and the current administration headed by Mr. Abraham Samukai.
“The lifting of the ban imposed on the LBA is going to give players of the individual teams more zeal for the association’s national league, and it should give our players the courage to increase their training as the opening of the 2024 national league draws nearer,” Baar said.
Spartacus, Baar’s team, has been in the LBA league since its foundation three years ago as a third division and is now playing in the second division after winning the LBA 2023 third division championship. As part of their preparation for the new league, Spartacus has started intensive training ahead of the LBA 2024 national league, scheduled to commence in February 2024.
Baar disclosed that her team is currently participating in the LBA reconciliation tournament, securing two wins out of two games played so far in the preseason tournament. She considers this a clear display of her team’s readiness for the LBA national league.
She has called on her players to maintain their skillful ball control and finishing touches in the LBA reconciliation tournament until they are crowned champions. Baar believes that winning the tournament will help them perform up to standard in the LBA 2024 national league.
“The tactical ball display my athletes have carried out in our two wins in the ongoing LBA reconciliation tournament showed that they are responding positively to the team training, and they are ready for the 2024 national league. I’m convinced that we will finish the tournament as champions,” Baar stressed.
