Nation expects as Weah achieves political goal

MONROVIA - George Weah emerged from Liberia's slums to become a superstar soccer player in the 1990s, and has spent the last 13 years building political credibility to match his status as a sporting icon.

Weah, 51, put education, job creation and infrastructure at the center of his policy platform to beat outgoing Vice-President Joseph Boakai to the presidency, and expectations are sky-high he will deliver for the country's youthful population. He was sworn in on Monday.

"I am a human being, I strive to be excellent, and I can be successful," Weah told journalists ahead of his inauguration, countering critics who say he is ill-prepared for office after serving in the Senate for just over three years.