Liberian football cannot reach its full potential without the revival of its two most historic clubs, Invincible Eleven (IE) and Mighty Barrolle. That’s the stark assessment from top Liberian sports journalist T. Kla Wesley, who says the health of the domestic league hinges on its traditional giants returning to prominence.
“Across Africa, strong leagues are built on strong traditional clubs,” Wesley said. “We need IE and Mighty Barrolle back at their best if we want to improve the image of Liberian football.”
Wesley points to a pattern seen across the continent. In Morocco, Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca remain the biggest draws despite RS Berkane’s recent continental success. South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates still command massive support even as Mamelodi Sundowns dominates the PSL. Egypt’s Al Ahly and Zamalek lead the way regardless of Pyramids FC’s rise. Tunisia’s Espérance and Club Africain, Tanzania’s Simba SC and Young Africans, Zimbabwe’s Dynamos and Highlanders, Zambia’s Nkana and Power Dynamos, and Kenya’s Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards all prove the same point: tradition drives engagement.
“For Liberia, IE and Mighty Barrolle are nowhere near where they should be,” Wesley noted. “Administrative mistakes over the years have hurt both clubs and damaged their legacy. But the truth is, Liberian football needs them.”
The evidence of their importance is in the stands. Wesley recalled Mighty Barrolle’s CAF Champions League tie against Nigeria’s Kano Pillars, when the SKD Sports Complex was packed with minimal promotion. “Paynesville was covered in red,” he said. He also highlighted the 2021 FA Cup final between Club Beer and Mighty Barrolle as the last time he witnessed “real passion in the stands,” with ATS full of fans who “truly lived and breathed football."
While newer clubs like Watanga, LISCR, Fassell, and Bea Mountain are pushing the game forward, Wesley argues they cannot replace what IE and Barrolle represent. “They are doing their part and helping the game grow, but they cannot replace what IE and Barrolle bring in terms of history, rivalry and fan support,” he said.
The challenge, according to Wesley, is internal. “The question is: are they ready to change? Are the people around these clubs ready to invest their time, effort and resources for the right reasons and not for politics?”
He drew parallels to Europe, where money has reshaped competition but not erased tradition. “Manchester City may have dominated in recent years, but clubs like Arsenal still have massive support built over generations,” Wesley explained. “Whether people agree or not, football needs its traditional clubs to be strong.”
The impact goes beyond nostalgia. Wesley believes strong traditional clubs create stronger leagues, which in turn produce stronger national teams. With Coach Mohammed A. Erradi currently preparing the Lone Star for a double-header against Sierra Leone, and young talents like Bea Mountain’s Ralph Weah balancing WASSCE exams with national duty, the player pool exists. What’s lacking is a club ecosystem that consistently develops and showcases talent at scale.
“Look at Zambia,” Wesley added. “Zesco United enjoyed success, but Nkana and Power Dynamos remain the clubs many fans identify with. In Tanzania, Azam’s progress hasn’t replaced Simba and Yanga. New clubs raise standards, but traditional clubs anchor the league’s soul.”
Wesley’s message is ultimately one of urgency and opportunity. The fanbase is still there. The history is intact. But revival demands modern administration, youth development, and leadership that prioritizes football over personal or political gain.
“If you look across Africa and the rest of the world, you will see the same pattern,” he said. “Strong traditional clubs help build strong leagues. Liberian football needs Mighty Barrolle and IE back at their best — not just for sentiment, but for structure.”
For now, the ball is in the court of those running IE and Mighty Barrolle. As Wesley puts it, “Liberian football is waiting.”
