Monrovia, Liberia – September 22, 2025:
The Olympic Solidarity, in collaboration with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA), on Monday certified 30 basketball coaches after an intensive two-week technical coaching course held in Monrovia.
The training, facilitated by veteran FIBA-Africa Instructor Roland Owino from Kenya, focused on several key areas, including technical skills, developmental strategies, and administrative aspects of coaching among others.
Mr. Owino noted that the course incorporated both written and practical assessments, which are essential components for completing the required FIBA coaching credits.
He commended the participants for their cooperation and dedication throughout the training.
In his remarks, Mr. Owino recommended that the LBA enforce a policy allowing only certified FIBA-licensed coaches to work in the upper divisions of Liberian basketball—an approach he described as global best practice.
He further urged the establishment of a strong coaches’ union, such as the Liberia Basketball Coaches Association, to vet and validate coaching credentials.
LBA Commits to Licensing-Only Policy
Speaking during the certification ceremony, Liberia Basketball Association President, Mr. Abraham Samukai, disclosed that the official issuance of FIBA coaching licenses to participants will follow the submission and review of the trainer’s final report.
He reiterated that starting next league season, only licensed coaches and referees will be permitted to operate in the league.
“If basketball is to truly develop in Liberia, all coaches and referees must be certified by FIBA. Poor performances on the court often stem from a lack of proper technical understanding by coaches,” Mr. Samukai emphasized.
He also highlighted the significance of the certification, stating:
“The great thing about this training is that once you are certified as a FIBA-licensed coach, you are qualified to coach anywhere in the world.”
Mr. Samukai extended heartfelt gratitude to Instructor Roland Owino, praising his commitment and sacrifice in leaving his home country to train Liberian coaches for two weeks.
Olympic Committee and Government Support Training Initiative
Also present at the ceremony was Cllr. Sylvester Rennie, President of the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), who thanked Olympic Solidarity and FIBA-Africa for organizing the course.
Cllr. Rennie affirmed LNOC’s commitment to supporting more training programs to boost the development of basketball in Liberia.
In a related statement, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Henry Yonton, representing the Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, encouraged the newly trained coaches to extend their knowledge to others.
“We hope that you use what you’ve learned to impact others. Coaches are like parents to athletes because of the critical role they play in their development,” Deputy Minister Yonton said.
A Joyous Conclusion
The event concluded with a display of appreciation from the participants, who expressed joy and gratitude to Instructor Roland Owino. In a symbolic gesture, the trainers honored Mr. Owino with a traditional Liberian gown in the national colors of red, white, and blue.
Leading the presentation was Coach Gaye Tuazama, who recently coached Liberia’s Under-16 Boys National Basketball Team at the Afrobasket Youth Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.
Coach Tuazama thanked Mr. Owino for his tireless efforts and mentorship throughout the training program.
