Philadelphia Lone Star FC proudly announces the return of Stephen Lloyd Togba as Chairman of the Board, marking a powerful full-circle moment for the club founded in 2001 to serve Philadelphia’s African immigrant community.

More than two decades ago, Togba helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the most culturally rooted soccer institutions in the region. In 2011, he passed leadership to Paul Konneh, mentoring him through the transition and entrusting him with carrying the vision forward.

Today, as the Stars continue to compete at the national level and expand their impact, Togba returns to help guide the next era of growth.

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A Club Built on Community

From its founding, Philadelphia Lone Star FC has been more than a soccer club. It has been a home — a place where African immigrants and their families could gather, compete, and build pride through the game.

Togba reflected on the club’s roots and responsibility:

“When we started this club in 2001, our goal was simple — create opportunity, create belonging, and represent our community with pride. Seeing what it has grown into is deeply rewarding. I am honored to return and help strengthen the foundation so that future generations can benefit just as we intended.”

He continued:

“This is about more than wins and losses. It’s about supporting our coaches, our players, and the Stars across all teams so they can achieve successful seasons in their respective leagues. When they succeed, our community succeeds.”

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Leadership Built on Trust

President Paul Konneh spoke about the significance of Togba’s return:

“Lloyd showed me all the ropes when I took over in 2011. He didn’t just hand over leadership — he invested in me and trusted me to grow the club the right way. Having him back as Chairman of the Board strengthens us in ways that go beyond titles.”

Konneh added:

“As we continue to grow, our responsibility is not only to compete at a high level, but to protect the culture and mission that brought us here. With Lloyd’s leadership at the board level, we are building stability for the next 25 years.”

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Strengthening Governance for the Future

As Chairman of the Board, Togba will lead governance oversight while President Konneh continues to oversee day-to-day operations. Together, the leadership is committed to:

• Supporting coaching staff and ensuring the Stars across all teams achieve successful seasons
• Strengthening board governance and long-term financial sustainability
• Expanding community outreach within Philadelphia’s African immigrant population
• Developing leadership pathways for former players to return and serve the club
• Re-engaging alumni from the club’s founding era in 2001 and onwards to help shape the next generation
• Building a structured legacy initiative as the club approaches and moves beyond its 25-year milestone

Togba emphasized the importance of reconnecting former players:

“Many of our former players from 2001 and the early years are now leaders in their own right — professionals, fathers, mentors. It is time to bring them back into the fold. They understand the culture, the sacrifice, and the purpose behind this club. Their involvement will strengthen our future.”

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Philadelphia Lone Star FC enters this next chapter united in purpose — honoring its roots, empowering its present, and building a legacy that will serve the community for decades to come.

We Shine On.