Two times African Football of the Year, Elhadji Diouf, has described Gambia U-20 players, Bun Sanneh and Ablie Jallow as unbelievable talents who have a bright future ahead of them.

Diouf, who said he was impressed by the sensational performances of the duo currently training with Senegalese side Generation Foot, was speaking at the Independence Stadium in Bakau following the duo’s majestic performance in Gambia U-20’s 2-0 defeat of Sierra Leone on Saturday.

He said the duo has caught his attention, and he encouraged the players to remain united and help each other. “I was and still Elhaji Diouf because my other teammates like Aliou Cisse and Ferdinand Coly and the whole team supported me. You all have talents but you also have to believe that in any team there must be two or three outstanding superstars and that helps the team to progress. I am a big fan of you [Gambia U-20 team],” the former Liverpool forward told the players when he visited their dressing room after the game.

“Football is a short career in one’s life and you have to do it to be best. I have nothing to regret because I have done all what I was supposed to do as a footballer. I am quite convinced you can qualify your country. Please don’t start thinking you have achieved something because you have not done anything yet. So it is quite important to be united and have the same vision and purpose,” Diouf, who inspired Senegal to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, added.

He said that the performance demonstrated by the team on Saturday is very rare to see even by the Senegalese U-20.

by Alieu Ceesay

Winners of the 2016 Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) awards have spoken to Observer Sports about how they felt.

Speaking in an interview, Tapha Manneh, Gamtel Coach, who won the Coach of the Year, described the award as very important to him and his family. The award, he added, indicated that people recognise his success in coaching.

Kaybama, as he is fondly called, the 2015 league winner and runner-up in the Football Federation Cup, said the award came with challenges but promised to continue his good work.

Manneh whose Gamtel FC also won the Team of the Year Award said his team has been doing well in the domestic league for the past years.

The Public Relations Manager of Multimedia Gateway International (MGI), Maimuna Sowe, winners for the Best Institution in Support of Sports, said the award means a lot to her institution.

The SJAG Award, she added would encourage MGI to continue supporting sports development in the country. “What our Institution is doing for the GFF and the National Team is tremendous and we would not relent in our support to the Scorpions and GFF to get or develop the sports to higher height,” she said.

Mawdo Jallow, winner of the Best Referee of the Year Award expressed gratitude to SJAG for recognising his outstanding achievement in 2015. “This is a big achievement for me as a referee and I will continue to live up to expectation.”

Gambian international Pa Modou Jagne of FC Sion in Switzerland, who won the Best Foreign Based Athlete Award, said he was honoured to win the award. “This award is very important in my football career. I congratulate my fellow nominees and encourage the young ones to be focused and committed,” he stated.

by Arfang MS Camara

The Pa Jay-Jewo Jammeh Cricket Ground was handed over to the Governor of the West Coast Region, Siffai Hydara, on Saturday, in a ceremony held at the site at Jamisa Lower Basic School in Brikama.

The handing over of the facility, named after President Jammeh’s grandfather, was held in the form of a colourful ceremony and was attended by senior Government officials. Also in attendance were ward councilors, the Region’s Education Director, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, the Alkalo of Brikama, teachers, coaches  and sports coordinators, school children, elders of Brikama, Imams and cultural groups.

Johnny Gomez, the President of the Association, thanked God for helping them to fulfill such a mission. He added that despite their lack of financial resources, they made the bold move to build this project in an attempt to decentralise the sport across the country.

He expressed delight and appreciation to His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh Babili Mansa, an ardent supporter of Gambian cricket, for allowing them to name the pitch after his grandfather, who was a great traditional healer, whose specialty was treating broken bones and compound fractures, amongst others.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Momodou Lamin Ceesay, who represented the Minister at the event, spoke about the Ministry’s delight to be associated with such an event. He thanked the Association for this project and urged them to continue their quest to decenralise the game to all regions of the country. He assured the Association that his Ministry would do all it could to give all the necessary support.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Anthony Jammeh, who thanked the Association on behalf of His Excellency the President, and the Jammeh family. Jammeh, who was accompanied by some elders from Kanilai, male and female, gave a brief history of Pa Jay-Jewo Jammeh, and the reason why His Excellency allowed the Association to use his name on the pitch.

“Pa Jay-Jewo treated many sportsmen who had broken bones and all types of fractures; he brought smiles to many who went to him with pain and came out completely healed,” he said. “Patients were brought from England, France, Senegal and other countries for the old man to treat them. I, therefore, express my sincere thanks and pray that the pitch would be well utilised for the game in the Region.”

The Governor in her speech expressed appreciation on behalf of her Region and its people to the Association for what she described as a valuable gift for the schools and teams in WRC. She noted that cricket as one of the fastest growing sports in The Gambia would not be dealing with sports only, but the core values of life, honesty, integrity, communication, responsibility, care and sharing, tolerance and staying away from child delinguency.

She urged the West Coast Regional Sports Committee and the schools to take advantage of the project, by involving students to organise leagues for both male and female, and community cricket for the whole region. She assured the Association that her office’s doors would always be open to them.

After the various speeches, a plaque was unveiled by the Governor and Anthony Jammeh, which saw the pitch officially handed over to the Governor with brand new cricket equipment.

After the handing over ceremony, a cricket match was played between Brikama and Banjul U-17 teams. It was the home side that won the first game of the pitch.

by Alpha M Kamara

In its bid to promote boxing in the country, Alpha Male Sport and Entertainment, has organised a two-day boxing competition on the 16th and 17th April 2016, at the Duplex Night Club in Senegambia.

The event, the first to be organised by the entertainment firm, was meant to bring out some of the nations brightest talents in the field of boxing.

Michael Bahsoon, founder and CEO of the firm, in an interview with Observer Light, disclosed that the concept behind the initiative is to highlight the undiscovered within the boxing arena of The Gambia, and Africa as a whole. He added that eighteen boxers participated in the event including two women boxers.

Bahsoon said the organisation has been in existence for three years in the United Kingdom and it’s been launched this year in The Gambia. He said they are working closely with The Gambia Boxing Federation to bring out a positive platform for Gambian boxers by supporting them with boxing gears, among other interventions.

He disclosed that Jason Matthews, former inter-continental middleweight title, and commonwealth middle weight title holder, will also train the athletes on how to take control of their careers.

Nyambi Jabang was tipped to become a superstar at an early age while he played street soccer. He is now making waves in the division 1 College league of the United States of America.

The Brikama born rising star started playing football when he was very young and most of the people in his community always believed that he was going to be a superstar, as a result of his style of playing. He’s currently a player of NCU F.C of the U.S and as well an exercise and sports science student of North Caroline University.

In an interview with Observer Light, the young aspiring midfielder expressed happiness that he’s still remembered back home, even though he left The Gambia nine years ago. “Football has ever been a game I’m interested to play and I believe with the spirit and ambition I have; I will surely attain my ultimate goals. I’ve taken it as an utmost priority upon myself to take the game seriously and deliver well to maintain the trust and confidence that my fans have in me,” he said.

Jabang added that he is playing for one of the best colleges in the world, saying his team comprises young talented players that are so nice to work with. “My College was so blessed to have and produce great superstars like Michael Jordan and others. They did extremely well during their time and we are also following their footsteps to do the best,” he said.

He stated that he will someday give back to The Gambia by playing for the national team and bring projects to develop the nation’s football. According to him, despite the fact that Gambian football is growing, more effort is needed to qualify and participate in African Cup of Nations, the World Cup and other international tournaments. “More football academies should also be opened to recruit youngsters,” he said.

He thanked everyone that has supported him in one way or the other, whilst expressing appreciation towards the good job of Observer Light.

With Modou Lamin Jammeh

Do you remember the golden days of our nation?

Days when stars shone on our arenas

They brought forth talents unparalleled

The Biris and the Laos of those days Our Lamin Owens, Late Manneh Sillah and Sait Mbaye

Those gallant who showed the world

The glorious marvels of a Gambia so small

As we journey through our chronicles of Legends, the living greats, we honor Papa Gassama, Alagie Sarr, Sang Ndong Dodou Saine, Modou Musa, Amie Ndow Aziz corr and Paul Ogoo

The great-ness of our cause as a nation

A living reality amongst the constellation of countries and states of this world

We shan’t flounder in praise and thankfulness

For these men and women who beautified the name of our smiling coast. We celebrate them, Bless them

Jarr nye’nyo ge’rem ak santa nyi’

Ndaxteh nyoi sunu jambarr ak yakaar yi

Si bess borba, deff nenj tangatt

Yaram lu nyep buga di fekeh Am na nyu oyu si sunj borom Ysi’nyu taxawal Gambia la gai borka

Alenj fateleku demba bu gai Nekon sisen jamano, nyi jar nenyo

Fateleku, taga, tete, jajeff ak dilen

Nyanal sasuu nek

They will not be forgotten as long as we breathe

Their legacy belongs to the soul and vein of time

Names as honored as theirs are etched on the heartbeats

Of our countrymen and women forever more

This is in memory of those who passed to the other world

Their names and glories shall persist in our stories

As we narrate them unto generations yet unborn

We shall continue their legacy through the times

By Sise Sawaneh, SJAG 2nd VP

In this week’s edition of Celeb Corner, we feature Sainey Sissohore, an ex-Gambian footballer who had represented the country at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan in 2012 as the youngest player of the competition.

She is now the National Women’s Football Coordinator at The Gambia Football Federation and is been described in many quarters as one of the most valuable assets of women’s football administration in the country.

Observer Light: Give us one sentence about yourself?

Sainey: I’m Sainey Sissohore, I live in Abuko am a twin from a single parent family.

Observer Light: What is your greatest achievement?

Sainey: My greatest achievements were when I first participated in Azerbaijan U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 and scored the second goal against France and also when I was appointed as the women football coordinator of the GFF.

Observer Light: Who is your hero/role model?

Sainey:  My role model is my mum Salimatou Sidibeh Sissohore

Observer Light: what is your favourite color?

Sainey:  My favorite color is brown and red.

Observer Light: Who is your favourite artiste?

Sainey: My artiste is Youssou Ndurr

Observer Light: What is your favourite track?

Sainey:  Bulen falleh ndanyulai tarr del dawal gaw

Observer Light: What is your source of inspiration?

Sainey:  Being inspired by your work is one of the most important aspects of having a productive and successful career.

Observer Light: What is the next step in your career?

Saine: To become a woman of substance and well-educated to see myself in CAF and FIFA.

by Awa Gassama

Two times African Referee of the Year, Bakary Papa Gassama, has disclosed that Gambia’s Jaliba Kuyateh, is his favourite artiste, especially one of his songs he dedicated to President Jammeh.

Papa said the President is his father, making him to love every song about him. He added that Jaliba’s songs are always educative and entertaining, saying the kora maestro does not release songs for pleasure but probably talks about the issue that affects the society we live in on a daily basis.

“I am a Jahanka but even though my Mandinka is not that clear, I love listening to what Jaliba says in his songs especially in the songs that talks about tradition and modernity,” he said.

He urged Gambian musicians to watch the content of their songs hence what the song says give people the zeal and the opportunity to listen to it. “I guess their songs are basically for the public to listen to,” he added.

He is well known for his public speaking by giving lessons that had inspired and continue to inspire scores of people, especially when they are faced with challenges.

Momodou Sabally, the Director General of The Gambia Radio and Television Services, who doubles as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Observer Company, is one of this country’s most acclaimed writers. The motivational speaker, who has authored several inspirational books, used oratorical skills to inspire the players of The Gambia’s National U-20 Team ahead of their second leg qualifier at home against Sierra Leone.

Sabally, who was at the team’s training camp at the Paradise Hotel in Kololi on Friday, at the request of the team managers, used many inspiring stories to boost the morale of the players. This included psychological lessons, and from the reaction of the players, you could feel that they were at ease and his lesson raised their confidence even further.

Sabally, who gave the players a similar lesson ahead of their victory in the first leg in Sierra Leone, explained that he always draws inspiration from success stories in the world of sports. He told the young footballers that he had personally benefited from the inspiring story of the Gambia’s success at the FIFA U-17 African Championship in Banjul in 2005. He urged the players to learn from the successes of past national teams as an inspiration to get to the top. He also advised them to be supportive of one another and to avoid the ills of undue rivalry and envy in their camp. Sabally emphasized the need for the team to respect authority, in this case, their coaches.

He also challenged the players to avoid complacency and urged them to keep raising the bar as they continue to progress in their qualifying games and then the tournament slated for 2017. Sabally noted that individual brilliance can be important for the team’s success but team work is the most importantly foundation for sustained outstanding success; and therefore urged them to keep working together as a united team.

Recalling the success of the Senegalese national team in the 2002 World Cup, he told the players that if the Senegalese could defeat former World Champion’s France; and with the Gambia’s own Under 17 also defeating Brazil in 2005, then this team could bring glory back home at any level of international soccer. He also assured the team of the support of both institutions he heads.

Head Coach Omar Sise and Team Manager Pa Suwareh Fye both commended Mr. Sabally for taking time from his busy schedule to give psychological lessons to the players.

Hi folks, Thumbs up to The Gambia’s U-20 for their last weekend’s victory against Sierra Leone’s U-20 in the 2017 U-20 African Championship League qualifiers.

That was not all to share with my youths, a very important day was also making waves, Children’s Day of Broadcasting celebration was an exceptional scene to watch as I, Chaku Banjul saw it go down with glamour, filled with positive inspiration, to have children display their God given talents with the power of love and sharing unexplainable smiles of joy and happiness.

Watotijay at all, youths are now standing up to prove their worth; did you miss the Observer Light Review Radio show this past Sunday at GRTS Radio 98.6 FM with DJ Senator? It was dope, entertaining and informative with lots of swag, that’s Watotijay!

Oh boy, ‘lee du Yomba’! for me Chaku Banjul, I was amazed at every gaze.

Man la Chaku

Nearly two months since we published Biri Biri’s crucial penalty miss in the 1983 Zone II Championship in Mauritania, the story continues to dominate discussions.

When Biri tried to explain the circumstances surrounding his decision to take the spot-kick instead of regular penalty taker Bai Malleh Wadda, he said it was because none of his teammates were willing to take it and since he was the most senior player in the team, he had to.

But veteran football commentator Tijan Masaneh Ceesay refuted those claims more than a month ago by claiming that the former Sevilla player connived with Player-Coach Saihou Sarr to deprive Bai Malleh the opportunity to take the kick and add on to his goal tally as he was vying for the leading goal scorer of the tournament.

But Biri has hit back to rebuke Ceesay’s allegations. Speaking in a GRTS interview last week, the Wallidan hero said the veteran journalists’ claims were unfounded.

“This is just basic common sense because every rational thinking person who knows me and knows Saihou Sarr would tell you that the two of us cannot connive to deny a teammate the chance to win the leading scorer of a tournament; it just doesn’t make any sense,” he said.

“In fact even though I missed the kick, the direction I kicked the ball and where the goalkeeper went were even different.”

Twice African Footballer of the Year award winner, Elhadji Ousseynou Diouf, has spoken to the Daily Observer on his football career that took him to top clubs in France and England.

The controversial forward had a great footballing career and after spearheading little fancied Senegal’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan, where they defeated then world champions France, it earned him a £10m move to Liverpool, paving the way for an influx of Senegalese footballers making their way to the most popular league in the world.

The ex-Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United and Rangers forward, received numerous bans in his playing career due to his poor disciplinary record, but his exceptional talent and trickery on the ball has never been doubted. He had bags full on tricks and pace, and was one of the fastest players of his generation. Diouf, on his day, could turn out to be nightmares for defenders and is still remembered for running France’s Frank Leboeuf ragged during that World Cup.

2002 FIFA World Cup

After coming through the ranks at Sochaux and Rennes, Diouf moved to Lens in the summer of 2000, the same year he made his Senegalese debut and finished as the leading scorer of the African qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup with 11 goals. He also played a crucial role in Senegal’s run to the 2002 African Cup of Nations finals where they lost to Cameroon in a post-match penalty shootout, but was still voted the African Footballer of the Year for the second year after his 2001 triumph.

Reflecting on the opening game of the World Cup, where a Pap Bouba Diop scrambled goal secured a shock 1-0 defeat of France, Diouf attributed the success at the time to determination and self-confidence in the players.

“For me I took soccer as a profession and before we went to World Cup, not many knew of Senegal. Our generation had the belief that we could help Senegal with our professionalism. It is quite important to have self-confidence in whatever you do and that helped us to win France,” he relived the moment.

Speaking further, Diouf said looking back at his career, he has nothing to regret, noting that everything happens for a reason. “Today when I go to bed I sleep well because I have done all that I was supposed to do in football; being an African and No.7 in the world [after 2002 World Cup], being part of the 100 best footballers at the time and among the five players to make a mark in the World Cup,” an unapologetic Diouf affirmed.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland star said he has worked for himself, his family and Senegal, while encouraging the young players in The Gambia to be committed and focused on their career. “Sports is no longer about pleasure; it’s a real business that needs much focus.”

Playing in the Premier League

When Diouf was signed by Gerard Houllier for the Reds, it was his impressive performances in Korea and Japan which led to much excitement among Liverpool fans on his arrival. He was the striker Houllier had hoped would wrestle the Premier League title from Manchester United, after the Merseysiders had finished in second place the previous season but after an impressive start to his Anfield career with a brace on his debut in a 3-0 home win over Southampton, Diouf became unpopular among the Liverpool fans mainly due to his lack of goals and among other issues and was shipped out to Bolton in the summer of 2005.

He also had a fractured relationship with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, the cornerstones of Liverpool’s recent success, but is still adored among the Bolton faithful.

“I did what was probably wrong, I spat on people because I was angry and because I was equally young at the time. I am grown up now and there are so many things that I cannot do now. Even my children do ask me the same question but they know there father was a hot-tempered someone. However, that has helped me achieve what I have achieved today because I never allowed anyone to disrespect me. I have played in the West until I left there no one has ever disrespected me and no one will ever disrespect me,” Diuof stressed.

He urged those who have called him all sorts of names throughout his very successful career, to look back upon the positives he has done for his country and Africa. “Despite all the negative attributions I have never gone to jail nor did I do something a bad boy would do,” he emphasised.

Relationship with Jules Bocande

Diouf added that Senegalese international, the late Jules Bocande, had also played a big role in his success. He described himself next to Bocande in terms of superstar status for Senegal’s National Team, bringing back memories when Pele once described himself as the King of Brazil and Robinho as the Prince.

“Bocande was a father, brother and friend and everything. He was the first to tell me that I could achieve something no Senegalese had ever achieved. He told me that I could be the first Senegalese to win the African Player of the Year because I possessed everything,” he added.

“Bocande is No.1 and I am No.2 and he was a good man. The only thing that pains me about Bocande is that Senegal or Africans would only wait until you are no more then they start celebrating your success. You have to celebrate someone when he is alive.”

While praying for the souls of Bocande and Bruno Metsu, the French coach, who together with Bocande played instrumental roles in redefining Senegal’s recent football future, Diouf admitted that Metsu also had a special relationship with the 2002 World Cup squad.

“I have worked with different managers and coaches, but the relationship with Bocande and Bruno Metsu were special,” he concluded.

Metsu was a naturalised Senegalese and baptised to Islam after marrying in the West African country. Following his death in the Middleeast, his body was repatriated to Senegal for burial.

by Alieu Ceesay

Nyimsi B Promotion (Youth in Action) will be hosting a grand wrestling competition on 15th May 2016 at the Serrekunda West Mini-Stadium.

Nyimsi Bi Promotion was set up in 2010 with the aim of providing job opportunities to youth by helping them to realise their hidden talents and complementing the efforts of Government in creating more jobs for the youth.

Manyima Bojang, Chief Executive Officer of the Promotion, speaking at a press conference this week, said part of their agenda 2016 is to organise wrestling combats. She said the aim of the competition is to promote sports, by bringing young people together, adding that the wrestling combat is another way of creating job opportunities for the young people.

“The first grand combat will be between two Gambian wrestlers called Tapha Thine and Kojaro, and the trophy is named after Bakary M.A Jaiteh, alias ‘General Bakso, Administrative Secretary of the ruling APRC political bureau,” she announced.

Bojang disclosed further that the second combat will be between Omar Saine and Guguee, and the trophy is named after Musa B. Susso, former Kombo North Member of Parliament. “Our expectations are high when it comes to Nyimsi B Promotion, because we are winners and interestingly people have been using us as benchmark from 2013 to date,” he concluded.

by Omar Wally

Workers in both the public and private sectors are gearing up for yet another May Day Sports, otherwise known as Workers’ Day, on Sunday, 1st May.

Organised by the Sports Ministry, through the National Sports Council, this year’s May Day Mass Sports is set to return to the Independence Stadium after a long absence. The 22nd July Square in Banjul has been hosting the event for the past few years due to rehabilitation works at the Stadium.

The event, which was initially organised by The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) for many years, was taken over by the Ministry of Youth and Sports few years ago.

While credit goes to the Organising Committee for a job well done over the years, workers are hoping that there will be a better organised and well attended event this year compared to the last edition.

Celebrated in the form of a sporting competition in The Gambia, the May Day Sports will feature track and field events and fun events such as team relays, tug of war, musical chairs, the greasy pole, potato race, sack race, pillow fight, race for cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and managing directors.

by Alieu Ceesay

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) yesterday announced it has relegated one of the powerhouses of the country’s domestic women’s football, Red Scorpions, to the second division, after its players physically assaulted match officials, causing bodily harm, in a league game against Interior last week.

The decision, taken by the Organising Committee of the GFF, according to a letter addressed to the club in question and copied to Observer Sports Desk, was unanimously reached following a meeting on Wednesday.

“Given the severity of the offence, your team is hereby relegated to second tier of the national women’s league for causing bodily harm and injuries to the match officials and bringing the game into disrepute. Consequently, your team should cease to play in the ongoing women’s division one league,” a letter signed by Abdou Salaam Jammeh, the Deputy General Secretary of the GFF, stated.

“The Organising Committee has lamented the reckless and shameful behaviour of the Red Scorpions FC players against the referees on that fateful day and therefore fined your team the sum of ten thousand Dalasi in accordance with Team Misconduct; Article 29, Sub section B of the Disciplinary Code of The Gambia Football Federation.”

The letter added that the Committee has exhaustively discussed what it described as an ugly and unfortunate incident which led to the attack on the central referee Jama Njie and first assistant referee Abbie Ceesay by players of the Red Scorpions shortly after their scheduled league match against the Interior FC played at the Serrekunda East Mini-Stadium on Friday April 22, 2016.

“By a unanimous decision, the Organising Committee in compliance with Article 26 Misconduct Against Match Officials of the Disciplinary Code, Subsection B, thus, imposed 12 months ban on the following players and team officer for assaulting match officials: Fatoumata Touray No.7, Mariama Bojang No.4, Penda Colley No.2, Awa Tamba No.11, Mariama Ceesay No.22, Fatou Sanneh No.14, Aminata Camara No.12, Haddy Sanneh Trainer,” the letter added.

Consequently, Medina Njie and Ya Awa Ceesay both of Kinteh’s FC, have also been banned by the committee. In addition, Fatoumata Touray of Red Scorpion is suspended for six more matches for being the central figure in starting the fight.

“The team is therefore urged to desist from emotional and non-factual statements and we implore you and other stakeholders not to allow immature behaviour and pronouncements to cloud their judgment.”

When contacted, Chorro Mbenga, the head coach and one of the leading figures of the team said he couldn’t make any comments at the time. She claimed that they had not received their copy of the letter.

by Alieu Ceesay

by Arfang MS Camara

& Jainaba D Jatta

The Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG) awards ceremony has inspired many Gambian athletes and institutions who are trying to develop sports in the country.

The award ceremony that was held on Saturday April 23, witnessed over 30 awardees including sports personalities, institutions and honours to sportsmen and sports lovers of the country.

Speaking in an interview with Observer Light, Tapha Manneh, Gamtel Coach, who won the Coach of the Year Award, said this award is very important to him and his coaching career, noting that it shows that people recognises what he has been doing.

Manneh, whose Gamtel also won the Team of the Year Award, said he has being coaching for more than 10 years, but had never received such award.

Maimuna Sowe, Public Relations Manager of MGI, whose company won the Best Organisation in Support of Sports, said the award means a lot to their institution as they will continue supporting sports in the country.

She added that this award will help to push MGI in its efforts in trying to develop sports in The Gambia, especially football. She described it as a great pleasure for having SJAG recognised their contribution towards sports in the country.

“What our institution (MGI) is doing to the GFF and the National Team is tremendous and we would not relent in our support to the Scorpions and the GFF to get or develop the sports to higher height,” she said.

Mawdo Jallow, who won the Best Referee of the Year Award, said he is very grateful to the SJAG and the Gambian people who made him to win this award.

Pa Modou Jagne of FC Sion, winner of the Best Foreign Based Athlete, while speaking from his base in Switzerland, said he is very happy with the award, noting that, this is very important to his footballing career. He advised the young athletes to take up the challenge.

Nfamara Jerreh Sanneh, fondly called Pro 10, is an upcoming star who is expected to be seen playing for world class clubs in the next distant future.

The former Real de Banjul midfielder started playing football before the age of 10 and since then, he has proven to be a promising asset for the country. He was a player of Sait Matty F.C and as well a product of Nusrat Senior Secondary School.

Jerreh is currently undergoing trial at Hertha BSC Hiemspiel in Berlin, Germany. Because of his amazing skills and bags full of talents, numerous clubs in Germany like Werder Bremen, Hamburg SV, Bremer SV, Oldenburg VFB and many more are all keeping a close eye on the young man.

In an encounter with Observer Light, the 18-year-old footballer said he is a youngster with the capability and potential of becoming one of the world’s best, saying he’s already inspired by Werder Bremen’s Gambian born player Ousaman Manneh, who is a great admirer to him.

“Despite the fact that God has blessed me with unique skills and talents, I still always train harder to retain the good I have. I like playing fine football as it is the order of the game,” he said.

According to him, he had a good start at the initial stage of his career and was lucky to be prepared by academy football, whilst adding that after recognising the talent in him, he decided to use it as an opportunity to develop himself.

“I played and win so many trophies for my former sides and was crowned leading goal scorer and best player of series of leagues in numerous occasions too,” he added.

Pro’s dream and aspiration is to play in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top flight, and as well enable his country to qualify for the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup. “My biggest interest in football is to get my country’s football to the highest level. I was one time selected to be part of The Gambia U-17 team, which I really appreciate so much for the fact that I was chosen out of many to do it for the nation. I will still love to play for my country’s national team and do my quota as a patriotic citizen,” he concluded.

With Modou Lamin Jammeh

by Alieu Ceesay

Twice African Footballer of the Year award winner, Elhadji Ousseynou Diouf, has urged young Africans to desist from embarking on illegal migration to Europe and make best use of the opportunities available in the continent.

In a chat with Observer Light, the former Senegalese superstar and Liverpool winger who was in the country as guest to the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) affirmed that young people can be successful in Africa.

“I want to advise the youth of Africa to know that the concept of easy success in Europe and America is just a dream. Let us stay here [in Africa] and work in our countries, but whosoever you tell this might think you don’t want success for him or her.”

Diouf decried the increasing number of young people that lose their lives on the high seas. “Taking these unsafe boats to Europe will only make the West to disrespect us [Africans]; they will never treat us with dignity if we behave like this; and once you lose respect in life you are nothing. For the West to respect us [Africans] we must first respect ourselves and have high self-esteem.”

According to the former Senegalese superstar, it is the responsibility of the citizenry to develop their own country and therefore they should get up and support their leaders to advance the development of their country.

He said there are so many opportunities for the youth of Africa, saying they can be successful if they are willing to do the same work they are going to do in Europe. “Let us [Africans] believe in ourselves and respect ourselves. I therefore urged youth to do away with illegal migration because you cannot get a job without proper papers. So many people have had their family members die in their absence and they cannot come home,” he lamented.

by Modou Lamin Jammeh in Dakar, Senegal

One of the greatest and most respected wrestlers of Senegal, Eumeu Sene, has described Gambian wrestlers as promising products. He said if Senegal is producing superstars in the sport, why not The Gambia.

Sene made these remarks on Friday, during an exclusive interview with Observer Light in Dakar, Senegal. “I knew what Gambia has when it comes to the aspect of wrestling, after having the opportunity to witness some interesting combats between heroes of the country. I saw real perseverance and readiness in them to do the game, besides their interest towards it I can tell you that The Gambia will soon be counted among the world class wrestling countries,” he explained.

According to him, wrestling is rapidly growing in The Gambia and the game is now dominating so many sporting activities in Africa, most especially Senegal. He added that The Gambia’s Wrestling Federation is really doing a fantastic job by pushing the game to a bigger level, saying they should continue creating more platforms for wrestlers to develop themselves.

He noted that The Gambia stands a better chance to produce so many superstars in wrestling than many other countries in Africa, as the country’s leader has great passion for the game and is showing utmost interest to promote and support it in The Gambia and beyond.

Eumeu Sene disclosed that one of his discussions with President Jammeh was basically about how to develop wrestling as a game in the country. “I know that The Gambian leader knows the game but I was actually surprised to realise that he knows it that far after he rectified me on a mistake I made in one of my very important combats that led to my defeat,” he added.

He encouraged Gambian wrestling promoters to keep up the great job and continue working tirelessly with the wrestlers to develop the game more in country, whilst challenging companies to give out sponsorship for promoters to organise more combats.

“President Jammeh is my father, friend, source of inspiration and motivation. He has done a lot for me towards the development of my career and I’m appreciative of the fact that the love he has shown to me is beyond imagination. I pray that God continue to guide and protect him and also give him long life and prosperity to continue leading Gambia in peace,” he prayed.

“Each time I signed a combat, my first training is going to be done in The Gambia and I will love to have a combat in The Gambia before retiring as a wrestler by God’s grace.”

He thanked The Gambia for the love and support and prayed for Allah to continue blessing the country abundantly.

Red Scorpions Football Team have appealed against the punishment levied on the team by The Gambia Football Federation.

The GFF announced last week that it has relegated one of the powerhouses of the country’s domestic women’s football to the second division after its players physically assaulted match officials, causing bodily harm, in a Football Federation Cup game against close rivals Interior.

In a letter sent to the GFF, Red Scorpions’ Football Club Secretary General Tonor Mbenga wrote; “We consider your decision as harsh and against our common objective of developing female football in the country. Therefore, in the spirit of female football development, we solicit you to reconsider your decision.”

According to him, in nearly three decades of their existent in Gambian football, Red Scorpions have never been found wanting or in breach of any rules and regulations of any tournament they ever took part in.

“Further, as one of the most successful teams in the country producing key players for the national team, suspending 9 of our players for two seasons will not only be damaging to be players and our club but also to the female league and female football in general.”

SG Mbenga added, “Red Scorpions have already won the 2015/2016 women first division league with two games to go. We cannot comprehend the reason to relegate our club to the second division. Article 29, sub section B of the disciplinary code does not categorically provide for any team to be relegated and the “further sanctions” as provided in the article cannot be used to fine us D10, 000 and at the same time relegate the team to second division. We maintained that your decision is heavy handed and upholding them would be counterproductive to female football development in The Gambia.”

While deeply regretting the behaviour of the Red Scorpions players, he appealed to the Organising Committee to reconsider its decisions.

by Alieu Ceesay