George Weah stays active ahead of political campaign

Former Liberian football star, George Weah; is keeping himself active with a return to the pitch days after declaring his new presidential bid.

In a suburban football pitch of Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, he jokes with his friends who have also come around for a kick-about.

The carefully cut turfs of former clubs AC Milan and Paris St Germain is replaced with simple chalk markings in the sand and near rocky grounds acting as “decent” pitches.

It is a sight adored by locals; Weah’s participation, obviously the highlight.

Many Liberians still hold him in high esteem.

That reverence, he is hoping, will give him an edge in his quest to win next year’s presidential elections on the ticket of the Congress for Democratic Change.

Africanews exclusive: George Weah will run again for Liberia’s presidency https://t.co/unRBEi5O3f pic.twitter.com/0JSGzJCVWu

— euronews (@euronews) April 22, 2016

“I’m here today to help young people to have opportunities. I believe in education. It’s a continuous process. Our young people in this country need to go to school and if it means we have to do everything for someone to go high-school level free education we will do it. Because a lot of family here don’t have means and jobs are scarce,” Weah said.

Weah recently told Africanews he had a good story that should get him the results.

“The world must be aware that I am a good person. I can form cooperation and collaborations for my people to work and I am ready to work. I have done so much for Africa and I think in the governance process I can bring more on the table,” he said.

A former FIFA World Player of the Year and a Ballon d’Or winner, Weah branched into mainstream politics, charity and activism after hanging his boots.