By: Julius Konton
The Professional Sports Academy (PSA) etched its name into Liberia’s sporting history on Saturday after recording its first-ever victory in the national First Division Handball League, delivering a resounding 25–15 win over defending champions Sinkar Oilers.
The historic encounter, played at the iconic Sports Commission on Broad Street, Monrovia, marked PSA’s official arrival among Liberia’s elite handball institutions and signaled a potential shift in the country’s competitive landscape.
A Statement Win Against the Champions
Facing a Sinkar Oilers side that has dominated Liberian women’s handball over the past decade winning multiple league titles and producing several national team players, PSA’s young female squad showed remarkable composure, tactical discipline, and attacking efficiency.
From the opening whistle, PSA controlled possession, executed swift counterattacks, and displayed defensive organization well beyond their experience level.
By halftime, the newcomers had already established a commanding lead, silencing skeptics and energizing supporters who packed the stands.
Sports analysts described the performance as “one of the most impressive debuts in recent Liberian handball history.”
Liberia Sports Academy Shines Across All Levels
Saturday’s triumph was not an isolated success. Earlier in the day, at Invincible Spirts Park in Fish Market, PSA’s Under-15 team delivered an emphatic 11–1 victory, further underlining the academy’s growing dominance across age categories.
With structured programs ranging from grassroots to elite competition, PSA has quickly become one of Liberia’s most promising multi-sport institutions.
In just a few years, the academy has expanded its footprint in handball, football, and youth development, challenging long-established clubs.
Leadership Behind the Success
At the heart of PSA’s rapid rise is Ambassador Aliou Kebe, President of the Professional Sports Academy and Liberia’s Youth and Sports Ambassador-at-Large.
Widely praised for his hands-on leadership, Amb. Kebe was present throughout the entire day from early morning youth matches at Invincible Sports Park to the evening First Division showdown on Broad Street.
His involvement went beyond ceremonial duties; he personally motivated players, oversaw logistics, and ensured athlete welfare.
Following the historic victory, Amb. Kebe rewarded the handball team with a US$100 incentive, mirroring similar bonuses given to PSA’s football team, which currently tops its Third Division League group with 7 points and 11 goals scored in just three matches.
He also ensured players were fed and safely transported back to their homes, an often-overlooked aspect of athlete care in local sports.
A Broader Vision for Liberian Sports
Founded on the principles of discipline, education, and opportunity, PSA represents a new model in Liberian sports development.
According to data from the Liberia Handball Federation, youth participation in organized handball has increased by over 30 percent in the last five years, with academies like PSA playing a crucial role.
Sports observers note that sustained investment in youth systems could significantly boost Liberia’s competitiveness at regional and continental levels, particularly in women’s sports, where resources have historically been limited.
More Than a Win
For many supporters, Saturday’s victory was about more than a scoreline.
It was a symbol of what focused leadership, structured training, and genuine commitment can achieve.
“Leadership is not noise; it is action,” one official remarked after the match, a sentiment echoed across the stands.
As the First Division season continues, all eyes will be on PSA to see whether this landmark victory marks the beginning of a sustained challenge for national honors.
One thing is certain: the Professional Sports Academy has arrived and Liberian sports may never be the same.
