Lone Star former midfield maestro, John Tarkpoh Sonkailey, has died.
He was 38 years old.
Sonkailey, who earned five caps with the national team, the Lone Star, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2005, at S.D. Cooper Hospital in Monrovia. His longtime friend, Nicodemus Jacobs, confirmed the passing of Sonkiley.
He was a resident of the Peace Island community in Congo Town, outside Monrovia. Sonkailey had recently returned from Nimba County, where he sought medical treatment after reportedly suffering from a ‘common cold.’
Known for his powerful long-range shots and quiet demeanor, Sonkailey spent nearly a decade playing club football in Indonesia.
His final professional appearance came in 2014 with Persijap Jepara in the Indonesian Super League.
Sonkailey rose to prominence in 2003 with Second Division side Mighty Blue Angels, helping the club captured the Liberia Football Association Knockout Cup. That same year, he joined Mighty Barrolle before signing with LPRC Oilers in 2004. The following year (2004), he moved to Indonesia to begin his international club career with Persita Ternate.
He made his senior debut for the Lone Star on November 16, 2003, coming off the bench in a 3–0 victory over The Gambia at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) on UN Drive in Monrovia. The result overturned a 2–0 first-leg deficit and secured the country’s qualification for the joint 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
His final appearance for the country came during a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea played in heavy rain at the ATS.
Sonkailey drew national attention when he scored a spectacular long-range goal for Mighty Blue Angels against LPRC Oilers in the Knockout Cup, catching goalkeeper Boye Pratt off guard. His performances earned praises from fans, teammates, and coaches alike.
Soft-spoken and humble, Sonkailey, often let his football do the talking. Though his career was cut short, he left an enduring mark on Liberian football.
May his soul rest in peace.
Credit: Wleh Bedell