Liberia: Shaita Angels Crowned Champions of Women’s Lower League

After 22 games, 18 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, Shaita Angels were crowned champions of the Montserrado Sub-Association women’s lower league on April 22.

This was the club's first competitive trophy in the lower league after they were relegated from the upper league last season. It was a joyous moment for the players, whose family and friends came to celebrate with them at the trophy celebration.

Prior to their championship, the Careysburg-based team had earlier secured their promotion to the upper league with four games to spare.

During the celebration ceremony, three of the club’s players, including Erica Parson, won the top scorer and MVP awards, Albertha Pratt won best goalkeeper; and Malusu Blama won best midfielder.

The team also went on to defeat several upper division teams to progress to the Orange Cup final, where they lost 2-1 against the title holders, Determine Girls.

Established in 2019, Shaita Angels comprises a group of girls, the majority of whom hail from Careysburg, Montserrado County. Involved with kickball, one of Liberia’s traditional sports, for a lengthy period, the girls took up that challenge to break gender barriers by choosing to play football, thanks to G. Nelson Menyeah, president of the club for the establishment.

During their debut season in the lower women’s division, the Careysburg Angels made their presence felt in the league after finishing as runners-up to the league winners, City Football Academy, thus securing them a space in the upper division for the 2021/22 league season.

Later in 2021, the club appointed a humanitarian and football administrator, Benita Urey, as Vice President of Administration. The presence of Benita in the club’s leadership has brought massive changes to the team’s structure and rebranding.