By: Sylvester Tamba – TPA Sports Desk | Monrovia, Liberia | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Rising Liberian football talent Douglas Sackor, from the Africa New Stars Sports Academy (ANSSA), is preparing for a significant opportunity with a 10-day tryout at the Mawade Football Academy in Dakar, Senegal. The invitation, sent to ANSSA President Melvin Panton on Saturday, July 12, 2025, sets the stage for a potential developmental agreement that could advance Sackor’s career in West Africa.

The tryout is scheduled to begin on July 30, 2025, at the academy’s facilities in Dakar.

ANSSA President Melvin Panton expressed excitement about the invitation, noting, “It reflects the level of talent and discipline Douglas has shown. He is a hard-working young player with the potential to become a top-level professional.”

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the opportunity, ANSSA has issued an urgent appeal for financial assistance to cover Sackor’s travel expenses, specifically the cost of airline tickets to Dakar. The academy is seeking support from humanitarian organizations, philanthropists, members of the Liberian diaspora, and the general public.

In a release, ANSSA emphasized the life-changing nature of the opportunity, stating that it could “shape a brighter future for this talented young athlete,” serving as both a personal milestone and an inspiration to others within the academy. ANSSA, which focuses on nurturing grassroots football talent in Liberia, views Sackor’s journey as emblematic of the aspirations of many young Liberians to transform their lives through football.