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25.07.2001
Weah uses football to score charity dollars
George Weah is many things to many people: one of the world`s great players to fans, to Liberian players a friend, a teammate, a coach and a savior as a sponsor of the national team.
To many in war-torn Liberia, he is even more.
"George means a lot. We call him him King George," Steve Davis, a Liberian who is Weah`s agent and chief coordinator of the Union of Churches for the Service of Christ, Incorporated, said.
"He is everything in Liberia. He stops traffic. I can`t compare him to the president in Liberia. He is the most popular man in Liberia. He is so giving and so willing to work with other relief organizations."
As Weah`s agent, Davis may be biased. But perhaps that explains why Weah is involved in humanitarian efforts to aid his countrymen, who have endured a bloody, 11-year civil war.
The two were in New York on Tuesday talking about Weah`s latest project, which combines football and charity work with the Union of Churches on August 4.
Liberia will meet Colombia in an international friendly at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The encounter, the second match of a doubleheader, will be held after the New York/New Jersey MetroStars face Major League Soccer-leading Miami Fusion.
Part of the proceeds will go to the Union of Churches, which must raise 750,000 dollars to transport 10 million dollars worth of medical equipment and supplies from Atlanta, Georgia, to Monrovia.
The Union of Churches will receive Liberia`s appearance fee of 15,000 dollars and get four dollars for every ticket it sells.
"It`s not a good situation at all," Weah said about the need for modern medical equipment. "For children in a hospital it was a good thing. I visited the hospital (several) weeks ago. We need all the facilities we can get. We are doing our best to help our country but it is very difficult.
"I am trying to save my country any way possible. This is a good way to help the people."
Weah hopes the Liberian National Team will get some help from Ghana in the final game of African Group B qualifying on Sunday. The first-place Liberians already have finished their schedule while second-place Nigeria hosts Ghana. A draw or a Nigerian defeat will clinch Liberia`s first trip to the World Cup.
"We are hoping for a miracle to happen," Weah said. "It would change a lot of lives in Liberia.
"Anything can happen. I told the team, `No matter what happens, we did extremely well.` . . . I will accept what happens. We hope Nigeria draws. If Nigeria goes, they deserve it."
Just reaching soccer`s promised land -- next year`s World Cup will be co-hosted by South Korea and Japan -- could do wonders for the shaken morale of a country that has been ripped apart by civil war.
"We play the game to bring peace to the country," Weah said. "The more we win, the more unity will come to our nation. Even though we have a legitimate government, things are hard.
"To little Liberia to come out in the first position, it`s a good thing."
Asked how much his desire of playing in a World Cup has fueled his efforts, Weah replied: "If I wanted to play in the World Cup, I am a French citizen, so I can play for France. I`ve played in Cameroon. I think I have the strength to make the World Cup."
By Monday, Weah could very well decide which European team he will perform for. Weah, who played for Marseille and Monaco in France last season, is weighing offers from six clubs. That includes Liverpool of the English Premiership.
He is far from retirement. "I still have a lot to give to the National Team - one or two years," Weah said. "I think I owe a lot to the Liberian people. The talent is mine. I feel I should play for them and enjoy it."
One possible stop before retirement could be the MetroStars. There was a speculation that Weah would play in the US someday because his American-born wife and four children living in New York City.
"I`m a good friend of the MetroStars," he said with a smile. "We can discuss the situation. I would love to play in New York.
"Eventually, I`ll move to the United States. You pray for the best."
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