From civil war in Liberia to silverware in the PSL, striker Anthony Laffor has had to overcome his fair share of challenges in order to establish himself as one of the most consistent strikers to grace Mzansi shores. Although currently sidelined through injury, he cements his place in our Chiskop XI frontline.
Anthony Laffor's journey to professional football was tough. Born in Liberia, the Chiskop had a difficult upbringing.
However, Laffor kept his head down, worked hard, and earned a move to Ghanaian Premier League side, Ashanti Goldfields SC, in 2003.
Leaving home
In an interview with Soccer Laduma's sister publication, Kick Off, the Liberian shared some of the challenges he faced when he migrated to Ghana…
"In order to survive in Ghana, you had to speak the local language, and where I was in Obuasi (a city in Ghana), it was rare to find people speaking English…but I had to adapt to the situation."
Jomo Cosmos pounce on young gem
By the time the Chiskop forward arrived in Mzansi in 2005, his talent was undeniable. At Jomo Cosmos, he won the Coca Cola Cup (Now Telkom Knockout) during his first season in South African football. After two seasons at Ezenkosi, he made 36 appearances, scoring seven goals and notching up two assists.
Two-time league champion at Matsatsantsa
In 2008, then Absa Premiership champions, SuperSport United, bolstered their squad with the addition of the Liberian. Over the next four seasons, Laffor's 26 goals and 13 assists would prove crucial, as he won two league titles under Gavin Hunt, in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons respectively.
The trophies keep coming for Anthony
A move to crosstown rivals Mamelodi Sundowns followed in 2011, and his reputation as a prolific goalscorer continued. Under the stewardship of Pitso Mosimane, the Liberian won a further four Absa Premiership titles, in addition to the CAF Champions League, CAF Super Cup and Telkom Knockout trophies. In 169 appearances to date, Laffor has scored 30 goals and added 18 assists.
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