Dulee: Liberia Forgive Us

Midfield combatant, Dulee Johnson, expressed regret and apologized on behalf of his colleagues that Liberia failed to qualify to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa and Africa Cup of Nations in Angola 2010.

"It’s our biggest disappointment and darkest moment in our lives as professional footballers representing Liberians on the map of football. We want to apologize to President Johnson Sirleaf, the LFA and the good people of Liberia for this embarrassment," Johnson said in a somber tone.

He noted: "Failure to secure a win even at home in five matches in the qualifiers is the biggest blow that has ever hit Liberian football and we don’t expect our fellow citizens to be happy about it. Deep down our hearts we ask for forgiveness. Let’s look ahead."

The Maccabi Tel-Aviv maestro is calling on the Liberian Football Association to start preparation now towards next Nations Cup after Angola and the World Cup too. "We should not be sitting idle and wait for the next competition before we start preparation all over again. I believe something practicable should begin now such as playing friendlies with top countries to put us in shape."

The young player said though the public has all the rights to criticize the Lone Star for its dismal performance in the qualifiers, it must be done with decorum to maintain the morale of the players.

"All of us want to see Liberia playing against the top countries in top international tournaments. It’s possible but we must learn how to crawl before we can walk and run. The time to do our homework begins now. We have quality players and must be respected," Johnson said.

Gambia beat Liberia 3-0 in Banjul last Saturday in their penultimate World and African Cups’ qualifiers. The country has been rated amongst the six poorly performed nations in the ongoing joint World Cup and Nations Cup qualifier.