by Arfang MS Camara
The Daily Observer has been sounding the opinions of Gambians in the wake of Sang Ndong naming his final squad to play Mauritania in a double-legged Afcon qualifier next weekend. Below are the reactions:
Saikou Manjang alias Mourinho: I am very happy for the selection of some players in the squad but have some objection for not calling up Alagie Nyabally who had a very good game against Cameroon in Banjul. Nyabally right now is one of the finest goalkeepers the country has and is a young and dynamic player. At least the coach should have called him in the team. Sang Ndong and his technical team should not look more on results as the aim is to rebuild the senior national team.
Saffiatou Colley, a journalist: It is a great move by the new national team coach because his decision is balanced and this will give a chance to many upcoming players to take part in the national and international competition. Blending the home-based players to play with professional players will help to enhance their skills. I believed such initiative would help to decentralise Gambian football as well as keeping the ground leveled.
Modou S Jallow, sport journalist, GRTS: I think Sang Ndong’s squad is not a bad side because this could have been the best list the head coach can call. Though we have some familiar faces like Demba Savage, Ibou Touray amongst others, basically I think is a good lineup. Two particular players will catch the attention of Gambian fans in the name of Modou Barrow and Mustapha Carayol. In football it is always difficult to predict the result but I believe that if all these players come, Gambia can get something in Mauritania. This is a great squad that is capable of achieving good result for the country. My problem is the time they will be joining their camp because if they camp together earlier it will be very nice for the team.
Balla Njie, the founder of Balla Academy: I really appreciate the players the Gambian head coach call for the Mauritania game, it is very good for what the coach did to give chance to the home-based players blending them with some foreign players. I believe that with these players Gambia can get something out of the two encounters against Mauritania. Though we are playing away, Gambian fans should still give their maximum support to the team and Sang Ndong as well.
Yankuba Fatty, keen football follower: I am really impressed with the selection because it has been a while we didn’t have such selection in the National Team. I believe that with this selection the players can achieve something for the Nation Team. It is also good to give chance to the local based players because we all know that foreign players cannot do it all alone. Gambians should rally and give full support to Sang Ndong and his technical team for the rebuilding process.
Omar Wally, journalist, Daily Observer: Is a good move by the coach to utilise local talents, and it will also be cost effective for the country because bringing professional players sometimes is too expensive for the country. The local players are the ones who can build a good foundation for the country.