MONROVIA – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has appointed sports administrator, and journalist, T. Kla Wesley Jr. as Director of Talent Development and Decentralization within the Department of Sports.
By: Christopher C. Walker | 0777898224 / 0886723075 | christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
In his new role, Wesley will be entrusted with leading grassroots sports development efforts across Liberia’s 15 counties.
The appointment marks a significant transition in Wesley’s professional journey, coming shortly after he announced his resignation as Media Manager of Bettomax Liberia a position he held for 30 months.
A Track Record of Sports Management
During his tenure with the sports betting company, Wesley played a pivotal role in several high-profile sporting initiatives.
Notably, he oversaw the successful implementation of two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) sponsorship campaigns and spearheaded the launch of the Bettomax Champions Cup, which quickly established itself as one of Liberia’s premier pre-season football tournaments.
Announcing his departure from Bettomax, Wesley described his time there as “an amazing journey,” expressing gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his growth.
“There are too many memories to mention, but the two back-to-back AFCON sponsorships will always stand out. Bringing the Bettomax Champions Cup to life was another proud moment,” Wesley said in his farewell message.
He also paid tribute to Bettomax Liberia Country Director, Darren Glover, describing him as one of the most professional individuals he has worked with and someone who played a major role in his professional development.
Fifteen Years of Industry Experience
According to the Ministry, Wesley brings over 15 years of experience spanning grassroots football development, sports journalism, media management, and sports administration to his new role.
His journey in sports administration began at a third division football club Swankamore Football Club, where he served as Team Manager, gaining valuable experience in talent identification, player development, and community-based sports initiatives.
Driven by a passion for sports development and storytelling, Wesley later transitioned into sports journalism, building a distinguished career that earned him recognition as one of Liberia’s leading sports reporters.
Throughout his career, he received several awards for excellence in sports reporting and photography while covering both local and international events.
His growing reputation in sports communication also led to his appointment as a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Media Officer, allowing him to serve at several major continental competitions and further strengthening his footprint within African football administration.
Driving Decentralization
As Director of Talent Development and Decentralization, Wesley will provide strategic leadership for sports development initiatives nationwide.
His responsibilities will include:
Overseeing county-level sports programs, Supervising the Talent Identification and Scouting Unit.
Coordinating activities with county sports officers, schools, and community organizations and Developing policies aimed at strengthening decentralization in sports governance.
The Ministry added that he will also play a key role in integrating promising athletes into regional academies and national teams, while monitoring and evaluating county-based sports programs to ensure measurable outcomes and sustained grassroots participation.
Government Commited to Grassroots Growth
Welcoming the appointment, Youth and Sports Minister, Attorney Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, said the government remains committed to building an inclusive and sustainable sports development structure capable of reaching every community in Liberia.
“The future of Liberian sports depends on our ability to identify, develop, and support talent in every county,” Minister Kruah stated. “The appointment of T. Kla Wesley Jr. reinforces our commitment to creating a national system that gives every young athlete an equal opportunity to succeed while strengthening the foundation of sports across the country.”
The Ministry expressed confidence that Wesley’s unique combination of grassroots experience, media expertise, private-sector sports management, and continental exposure will contribute significantly to transforming sports development nationwide.
His appointment comes as the MYS intensifies efforts to decentralize sports administration and expand development opportunities beyond Monrovia, ensuring that talented young athletes from rural Liberia have access to pathways for regional and national representation.
For Wesley, the move represents the beginning of a new chapter—one that shifts his focus from covering and promoting sports to directly shaping the future of sports development in Liberia.
