Just like any player around the world, former Bakau United defensive midfielder and captain Saikou Jawneh, known by many as Akos, has told Observer Sports that his dream is to play in the Barclays Premier League or the German Bundesliga someday.
The former U-17, U-19 and U-20 defender plays for Kristianstad FC in the Swedish Division One (an equivalent of the third tier) after he joined the side early this year for one year contract from Swedish Superettan side Angelholm FC where he started his professional career in 2015.
Kristiantstad FC is in 5th place in the 14-team division one league table. The team won two, lost two and drew one in its last five games.
The 23-year-old Jawneh played for The Gambia national U-17 team that took part in the 2009 World Cup in Nigeria. He was also part of U-19 squad that won a trophy in Italy as well in the U-20 team for the African Youth Championship in South Africa under the guidance of the late coach Lamin Sarr.
Jawneh, who developed passion for football as a child, said his success so far in the game is as a result of determination and hard work.
Becoming a professional footballer in 2015, he told Observer Sports, is the best feeling for him. “I am chasing my dreams and to be a professional is the best feeling I ever had.”
Jawneh, who can also play as a central defender, is hopeful of playing for the senior national team someday. “My wish is to play for the national team In sha Allah [God willing] and I know that I will play for The Gambia one fine day,” he told Observer Sports from his base is Sweden.
by Alieu Ceesay