By: Julius Konton
Liberia’s football infrastructure development has received a significant boost following the commencement of construction works at the Willie D. Knuckles Sports Pitch, a key community facility located in Zubah Town, Paynesville.
The project, which officially broke ground on 7 February 2026, has now entered its active construction phase, with site preparation, grading, and excavation works currently underway.
Engineers on site confirmed that the earthworks are focused on creating a stable and durable sub-base an essential foundation for a modern, safe, and all-weather playing surface.
FIFA Forward 3.0 Backing Strategic Development
The rehabilitation and upgrade of the Willie D. Knuckles Sports Pitch is being financed through the FIFA Forward 3.0 Development Programme, a global initiative designed to strengthen football infrastructure and governance across FIFA’s 211 member associations.
According to data from FIFA, the Forward Programme has invested more than US$2.8 billion globally since 2016, with Africa receiving a substantial share aimed at addressing chronic infrastructure gaps.
Liberia, like many West African nations, continues to face a shortage of standard football facilities, particularly at the grassroots and community levels.
Officials at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) estimate that fewer than 15% of existing community pitches nationwide meet basic safety and quality standards, underscoring the urgency of such interventions.
Part of a Broader Vision for Grassroots Football
The Paynesville project forms part of the LFA’s long-term strategic plan to expand access to safe, standardized playing facilities, particularly in densely populated urban and peri-urban communities where youth participation in football remains high but infrastructure remains inadequate.
Liberia has one of the youngest populations in Africa, with over 60% of citizens under the age of 25, according to national demographic data.
Football continues to be the country’s most popular sport, serving not only as recreation but also as a pathway to education, employment, and social cohesion.
By improving community pitches, the LFA aims to:
Increase organized grassroots competitions
Improve talent identification and youth development
Reduce injuries caused by poor playing surfaces
Strengthen community ownership of football facilities
Infrastructure as a Political and Development Message
The ongoing infrastructure drive has also emerged as a central theme in the leadership narrative of LFA President Mustapha I. Raji, whose administration has prioritized facility development as a cornerstone of football reform.
Supporters of the Raji-led administration describe the Paynesville project as evidence of a results-driven approach, noting that infrastructure expansion will be featured prominently in his original campaign agenda.
They argue that the visible progress on projects such as the Willie D. Knuckles Sports Pitch strengthens his case ahead of the crucial LFA elections scheduled for 18 April 2026.
Since assuming office, the current LFA leadership has overseen multiple FIFA- and CAF-supported initiatives, with infrastructure development increasingly viewed as a measurable indicator of administrative performance and accountability.
Once completed, the upgraded Willie D. Knuckles Sports Pitch is expected to serve thousands of youth players annually, host local league matches, and support community tournaments further embedding football into the social and economic fabric of Paynesville.
As construction progresses, stakeholders across Liberia’s football ecosystem will be watching closely, viewing the project not only as a facility upgrade but also as a litmus test for sustained growth, transparency, and leadership continuity within Liberian football.
