By: Roland M. Mulbah, rolandmulbah@liberiansoccer.com, 2316714850
Photo by: www.pic-cska.com

A young Liberian footballer, Sekou Jabateh, who traveled to Europe on a Nigerian passport and later took the last name Oliseh, now called Sekou Jabateh Oliseh, has been discovered plying his trade with Russian top flight club, CSKA Moscow.

Nineteen year-old Jabateh formerly played in Liberia for Gedi and Sons, now a premier outfit which had not reached premiership by the time he headed for Nigeria where he played for Ebedei, before moving to Danish side Midtjylland in 2006.

Between 2008 and 2009, Jabateh made five league appearances for Midtjylland. He moved to the Russian top club CSKA Moscow during the summer of 2009.
The promising Liberian youngster was on target in the Russian top flight on Sunday, October 4, 2009 and helped his team, CSKA Moscow to a 4-0 thrashing of Kuban. The midfielder was praised by former Tottenham and Real Madrid coach, Juande Ramos, who now coaches CSKA Moscow.

The gritty midfielder of CSKA has shown great spirit in the middle third. His good work ethic, good vision and spirited team approach have made him an attractive component of Coach Juande Ramos’ guided side. He is one player who rallies his club mates and his never say die attitude and indefatigable fighting spirit make him a player to watch out for. His verve, precision and jinks in attack are qualities that catch the eye. His unending tackles and runs as well as his wholehearted approach make him a class asset for Liberia in the future should authorities do everything possible to have him wear the red, white and blue jersey for Liberia’s Lone Star.

Seakou is on record as the only Liberian footballer identified showing his talent in the European Champions League this season. He featured in CSKA Moscow’s first match in the 2009 Champions league against German champions, Wolfsburg where his side went down 3-1. Player Sekou Jabateh will battle Manchester United on October 21, 2009 at the Luzhniki Stadium in the Champions league.

In a telephone conversation with a close associate of player Jabateh identified as Cyrus, he hinted to CEASEFIRE LIBERIA that the player has expressed willingness to play for the red, white and blue outfit, the Lone Star of Liberia.

“I was in Germany and spoke with him when his side went down against Wolfsburg in the Champions League. He told me he would be glad if he receives aa call for the senior national team of Liberia, Lone Star,” Cyrus noted.

The Lone Star team produced the world’s best soccer player, King George Oppong Manneh Weah.

Will Sekou Jabateh really play for Liberia? We wait to see.