By: Kolubah Zayzay
Monrovia, Liberia – Football Agent, Edi Schmickl says the corona virus has disrupted his scouting missing in Liberia.
The Fifa Football Agent who manages several Liberian internationals had planned a scouting mission in Liberia, to recruit several young Liberian players for clubs in Europe, but the outbreak of the corona virus has disrupted the plan.
Edi Schmickl had invited several other football scouts to witness his scouting tournament in Monrovia in March.
He arrived in Liberia few days before the declaration of the health emergency in the country which witnessed the suspension of all sporting activities in the country.
Speaking to State Radio and TV Monday, Edi Schmickl said he had earmarked four young Liberian players to take to Europe, during his last visit to Liberia last year, but he’s unable to get them visas at the moment to take them to Europe because of the corona virus situation.
The Austrian however urged the players to keep focus and safe during this time of the corona virus pandemic, as they could make the move once the situation is improved.
“The mean thing I think is that the players stay healthy. This is the mean thing I tell them now, don’t complaint about not playing, be careful with yourself, follow the advices of your clubs and government, make your individual training, but stay away from groups and keep the social distance”, Edi said on the World of Sports Program.
He noted that the corona virus is a serious hindrance to players and football player managers as well.
He praised Liberian players who he’s currently working with for their commitment to the game, adding Liberia has the raw talents that the Football World needs.
Edi Schmickl said though football in Liberia is not played at professional level, the young talents are doing extremely well.
He said local coaches in the country need outside experience (European experience) to help improve football in the country.
Edi Schmickl praised efforts by local football authorities in managing the game in the country with the facilities on ground.
He’s currently in Monrovia awaiting the return of normal flights in and out of Liberia to get back to Europe.
