By Uzman Unis Bah

London, United Kingdom, Antonio Rüdiger has donated Le 1 Billion (USD 101,000) to support Sierra Leone’s Free Quality Education initiative.

The player, meeting President Julius Maada Bio on the margins of the UK-Africa Investment Summit, said he was donating the money as his contribution to the President’s flagship project, which aims to support over two million children in primary and secondary schools in Sierra Leone.

The German professional footballer is born to Sierra Leonean parents in Germany. According to the governments press statement, “rüdiger assured the president that he was committed to supporting his government’s effort at rebranding the natural resource-rich country with huge potentials for investments.”

Rüdiger affirms his support for the West African nation “Sierra Leone is my home. I am not the talking type of a person; I am about action. You can count on us and do not hesitate. We are here to support your vision and agenda, especially on education. I am ready to take on my responsibility to change the narrative and image of Sierra Leone,” the presser states. 

Upon assuming power, Sierra Leone’s president has had series of overseas trips, with confidence, he believes the country needs to rebrand, and those trips are essential in boosting investors’ confidence, and attracting investors to the economically challenged nation. However, most of these trips reel with public criticism.

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By Bakary Ceesay

The Gambia Women Beach Volleyball Team will head to Guinea Conakry this week for the Zone 2 Olympic Games  qualifications that serve off on January 8th through 12th 2020.

Abi Kujabi, the team captain says they have been training very hard for the task ahead and optimistic that their commitment and hard work will not go in vain.
“It’s obvious that we are bringing home the gold medal from Guinea and nothing can change that” says the 29 year old defender.

However, head coach Pa Barrow remains optimistic that the women team will weather the storm and claim Gold at  the Zone 2 Olympic qualifiers.

“We will be  using the Olympic qualifiers in Guinea for experience and finding out what we need to work on before the Olympic Games in Tokyo come 2020, the coach said.

Mariatou Gitteh who recently join the national team and is part of the pairs that will represent the country in Guinea for the Olympic qualifiers, showed her excitement for getting the national call up and stated that it’s a huge responsibility that she holds with high standard and will do her best to perform up to expectations.

“I’m so proud to be part of this winning team and there is no doubt that we bringing home the gold medal” says the  elated Mariatou.

Fatou IF Colley is the team accompanying referee to the Zone 2 Olympic qualifications.

The Olympic qualifiers will start on January 8th through the 12th 2020 in Guinea Conakry.

Team Delegations: Abi Kujabie, Saffie Sawaneh, Fatoumatta Ceesay and Mariatou Gitteh.

Officials: Pa Baboucarr Barrow Coach, Lamin Suwareh Head of Delegation and Fatou IF Colley Referee. 

Abdou Jammeh , known for his sobriquet T-Boy  Former Scorpions Captain and Defender  is been appointed by the Gambia Football Federation as Assistant Coach of the National U-17 Scorpions.

Jammeh 33 a native of Bakau played for all of Gambia’s national categories.

He kicked off national call with the U-17 in 2002 and in 2003 with the National U-20 before heightened to U-23 and Olympic side in 2004.

T- Boy was promoted to the Senior National team from 2005 to 2015 where he later became Captain of the team. He hung his boots after the 2015 AFCON campaign giving way to the current crop of youngsters under Scorpions Coach Tom Saintfiet.

The new Assistant U-17  Coach has played for more than ten clubs across Europe, Asia and Africa where he made movements while pursuing for higher career status.

He opened up his stint with local club Steve Biko FC from 2002-2004 before moving to Esperance Sportive De Zaris and won the FA Cup with the Tunis giants. After two years of his North African sojourn, T-Boy moved up further to Russia where he attracted FC Textile telecom in 2007. He moved a little away to club rivals FC Torpedo in Moscow in 2008 and was featured in 26 matches.

One of Abdou’s biggest moves has been in 2009 when he moved to Belgian League One side SK Lierse. He has been a fan favorite at all of the Club’s matches when he was been featured. This time, Lierse was at its peak and recorded remarkable progress at the domestic front.

 The former Scorpions Captain had spells with Kazma Sporting Club in Kuwait, Rops FC in Finland, Al Fahaheel SC in Kuwait, Al Shamal Sports Club, Qatar and ended up his active career with PKNS Football Club in Malaysia.

Abdou is a holder of FA of Finland’s UEFA B licence coaching convention. He will work as Assistant Coach to National U-17 gaffer Abdoulie Bojang whom he worked under while playing for the giant killers Steve Biko in 2013 when he returned to local football in the Gambia.

By Bakary Ceesay

Scorpions Coach Tom Saintfiet has released Gambia’s provisional list for Afcon 2021 Qualifiers proper. The Scorpions will open their Group D campaign to the Palancas Negras on the 13th November away in Luanda and play home to the Leopards of DR Congo on the 18th November, 2019.

The provisional list of 36 players according to Saintfiet would be trimmed down shortly to the required number that would be used for both legs.

The “Saint” has retained almost the squad of players that qualified the country from the Afcon preliminaries to the Group proper. Saudi based Goal keeper Modou Jobe (Toldo) tops the list for goal keepers and is expected to make a return after a stellar performance at the preliminaries when the Gambia played its final match at home to Djibouti (3-2) on penalties after a one all draw at full time and eventually qualified to the Group Proper.

Captains Omar Colley and Pa Modou Jagne (Nda) are both in the list while youngsters Ablie Jallow, Ebrima Colley and Alasana Manneh all inclusive in the list are also expected to make a comeback following their great performances at home recently.

Hamza Barry, Modou Barrow, Sulayman Marreh and Babucarr Trawally (Steve) are also again called up in the provisional list and Saintfiet is highly hopeful of the stars’ return to the Scorpions forth coming campaigns.

1. Modou JOBE                                    (Jeddah FC, Saudi Arabia)
2. Sheikh SIBI                                       (Virtus Verona, Italy)
3. Baboucarr GAYE                              (SG Wattenscheid, Germany)
4. Alagie NYABALLY                           (GPA)
5. Pa Modou JAGNE                            (FC Zürich, Switzerland)
6. Ibou TOURAY                                   ( Salford City, England),
7. Omar COLLEY                                  (Sampdoria, Italy),
8. Mohammed MBYE                           (Mjällby, Sweden)
9. Bubacarr SANNEH                           (Göztepe, Turkey)
10. Sulayman BOJANG                          (Kongsvinger IL, Norway)
11. Ngine Faye NJIE                               (Gamtel)
12. Hamidou BOJANG                           (Real de Banjul, Gambia)
13. Alieu JATTA                                      (Casa Sports, Senegal)
14. Alasana MANNEH                            (Górnik Zabrze, Poland)
15. Dawda NGUM                                    (FC Roskilde, Denmark)
16. Ebou ADAMS                                     (Forest Green, England)
17. Ebrima SOHNA                                 (Gambia)
18. Sulayman MARREH                         (KAS Eupen, Belgium)
19. Hamza BARRY                                   (Hajduk Split, Croatia)
20. Ablie JALLOW                                   (AC Ajaccio, France)
21. Ebrima COLLEY                                 (Atalanta, Italy)
22. Sheriff SINYAN                                  (Lillestrøm, Norway)
23. Bun SANNEH                                     (Génération Foot, Senegal)
24. Modou BARROW                               (Denizlispor, Turkey)
25. Assan CEESAY                                    (FC Zürich, Switzerland)
26. Bubacarr JOBE                                    (Mjällby, Sweden)
27. Ali SOWE                                              (CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria)
28. Bubacarr ’Steve‘ TRAWALLY           (Ajman, UAE)
29. Adama JAMMEH                               (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia)
30. Muhammed BADAMOSI                  (FUS Rabat, Morocco)
31. Musa BARROW                                  (Atalanta, Italy)
32. Bakery JATTA                                      (Hamburger SV, Germany)
33. Nuha MARONG KRUBALLY            (Racing Santander, Spain)
34. Musa JUWARA                                   (FC Bologna, Italy)
35. Kalifa MANNEH                                 (Carrarese, Italy)
36. Lamin JALLOW                                  (Salernitana, Italy)

By Bakary Ceesay

Gambia Scorpions Head Coach Tom Saintfiet has finalised his 20-man squad for the upcoming 2021 AFCON Preliminary Round Qualifiers against Djibouti  at  the Stade Gouled in Djibouti City on 9^th October, 2019.  

This final selection follows the submission of his 28-man provisional squad list.

Sulayman MARREH was reported by his club as having an injury and is therefore unable to take part in the upcoming matches.

 Ibou TOURAY and Ebou ADAMS, both plying their trade in League Two in England, requested permission to concentrate on their respective club duties.

Bun SANNEH has been excused by the Head Coach to focus on international duties with the WAFU team currently in Senegal competing for the WAFU Cup of Nations.

Baboucarr GAYE, Adama JAMMEH and local based players Alagie NYABALLY and Ngine Faye NJIE were also amongst those who did not make the final squad but remain in contention for selection in the future.

Scorpion’s final 20-man squad:- Goalkeepers: Modou JOBE (Jeddah FC, Saudi Arabia), Sheikh SIBI (Virtus Verona, Italy)

Defenders: Pa Modou JAGNE (FC Zürich, Switzerland), Omar COLLEY (Sampdoria, Italy), Mohammed MBYE (Mjällby, Sweden), Bubacarr SANNEH (Göztepe, Turkey), Sulayman BOJANG (Kongsvinger IL, Norway), Dadi Dodou GAYE (KFUM Oslo, Norway)

Midfielders: Alasana MANNEH (Górnik Zabrze, Poland), Dawda NGUM (FC Roskilde, Denmark), Hamza BARRY (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Ablie JALLOW (AC Ajaccio, France), Ebrima COLLEY (Atalanta, Italy), Sheriff SINYAN (Lillestrøm, Norway)

Forwards: Assan CEESAY (FC Zürich, Switzerland), Bubacarr JOBE (Mjällby, Sweden), Ali SOWE (CSKA Sofia, Bulgaria), Yusupha NJIE (Boavista, Portugal), Muhammed BADAMOSI (FUS Rabat, Morocco), Musa BARROW (Atalanta, Italy).

The players summoned will begin their journey to Djibouti via Istanbul on Monday 7^th October, with the first leg scheduled to take place at the Stade Gouled in Djibouti City on Wednesday 9^th October with a 7pm kick-off.

By Bakary Ceesay

The five days Coaching training eye marked for GFF Female League Coaches from Div 1 and 2 has ended on Sunday 29th September, 2019 at the National Technical Training Center in Yundum.

The training organized by the German-Gambian Women’s Football partnership is aimed at strengthening the knowledge of the Female League Coaches in the beautiful game while also honing their skills in some game management skills ahead of the new League season in December.

Speaking at the closing ceremony over the weekend, training Coordinator Monika Staab said the course is key and timely ahead of the beginning of a new season. She noted that the training will help coaches to recollect and learn from the previous season.
“It was an intensive week of sessions and I am glad that we were able to refresh our minds on the past season to do better this time around. All the first and second division female club coaches were here and we shared great experience together” she said. She thanked the participants for their steadfast and dedication. “You all are a step ahead because we have ‘C’ and ‘D’ license holders with us”.
The renowned Women’s football expert however urged the coaches to be persistent in their quest while keeping the communication amongst them. She reminded the Coaches about her passion for women’s football and willingness to develop it higher.“I love Women’s football and want to develop and work with them. My next big task is to play Women’s Super Nawettan”, she said. She concluded by thanking the President Lamin Kaba Bajo for been the biggest supporter of Women’s football. “I have never seen a person so passionate about women’s football than Mr Bajo. I can tell you he is the main reason why I am still here”.

For his part, Gambia Football Federation Boss Mr Lamin Kaaba Bajo, expressed satisfaction on the outcome of the Gambia-German partnership saying the short term project expansion to a long term of two years is as a result of Monika’s great achievements.
President Bajo said that the Federation will always develop women football “not only in quantity but quality” and has no doubt that this course will have great impact in the coming league season. “I am sure that the coming season will be competitive. Work starts today and you must all endeavor to make the best use of the knowledge gained here”.
Mr Bajo promised that his executive would continue to ensure that all the necessary support is given. “Women’s football has gained lots of potentials. The impact would be visible within the two years and could be expanded again. The future of Football is Women Football”, he noted
Participant Veronic Malak on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the Course Coordinator Monica Staab for the relentless efforts for making the event happen as promised. She also thanked the GFF President for championing the course of Women’s football. All participants were presented a certificate of attendance.

By Bakary Ceesay

A five days Course for the training of Member Associations’ Referees was opened on Sunday 29th September- 3^rd October, 2019 at the Gambia Football Federation National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) in Yundum.

The program an annual FIFA funded activity is meant to enhance the capacities of referees and to further abreast the arbitrars the new amendments of the laws of the game while also sharpening their skills in game management.

Speaking at the opening ceremony over the weekend, GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo described the day as joyous moment for the Federation.

Mr Bajo highlighted the vitality that the Federation attaches to refereeing. “We may be a small country and struggling to achieve in Football but we’re able to produce best referees on the Continent and that should be a pride for every Gambian” he said.

He expressed appreciation to FIFA and CAF for the continues support rendered to the GFF while reiterating his office’s will to continue to give support to referees citing the recently trained 30 female referees been the first cohort eyemarked for matches in the Female Leagues “will help us a long way in filling the gap”, he noted.

He nonetheless urged the local instructors and the Referees Association to ensure that women are given the opportunity to officiate in the forthcoming leagues and help them grow. ”

I urge you to keep an eye on them. Support, guide and help them grow bigger and better in women’s Football. We want to see our women’s football progress massively and independently handled by themselves”, he echoed.

President Bajo who also serves as Referees Committee Chairman continued to challenge the participants to be humble, polite, and to be content at all times to what they have.

He cited Papa Gassama, Mawdo Jallow, Omar Sallah and Isatou Touray amongst others as having successful careers in the field and thus urged others to emulate from them while advising them to associate themselves with successful people and to adopt mentors.

Course Director Ali Ahmed expressed his pleasure to be at the Smiling Coast for the first time and said that FIFA and CAF are very particular on Integrity as a cardinal principle of Referees and therefore cited Papa Gassama’s Personality as an example for all aspiring referees.

“I am very happy that you have such quality and personalities like Papa Gassama. The Gambia is becoming famous thanks to personalities like Gassama and everyone should be proud of that”.

 He said the Gambia is one country on top of refereeing on the continent and urged the men in black to make best use of the opportunity.

Both GFF General Secretary Lamin M Jassey and the Acting Referee Association President and Referee Committee member John Frank Mendy both described refereeing as a noble profession and expressed pride in the potential and level of commitment and excellence in Gambian Referees. GS Jassey reiterated the football leadership’s commitment to the growth and development of Referees in the Gambia.

 He cited the GFF President’s ardent desire and personal commitment devoted to the cause of referees. “I have worked with many past Executive Committees at Football House but the commitment and the level of willingness I see in Mr Bajo towards referees is unprecedented”, he echoed.
The course has thirty participants out of which 24 are men and 6 Women.

By By Bakary Ceesay

Ahead of the start of matches for the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 preliminary Qualifiers across the continent, the Gambia National Team, Scorpions are one of the few to be watched when they take on The Riverains de la Mer Rouge (Shoremen of the Red Sea) of Djibouti on Wednesday 9th October in Djibouti City.

Speaking to the journalists his base in Europe, Saintfiet sounded upbeat about the Scorpions readiness for what he described “an important game” for the Gambia.

Asked about the release of his final squad, the “Saint” disclosed that the list of final players for the double header will be announced on Wednesday 2nd October, 2019. “We always call the biggest squad to take to the game and there are reasons for that because players are still with their clubs playing, injuries could happen and sometimes cancellations. Some players already informed us that they prefer playing for their clubs, that is shocking news and unfortunate but we always anticipate for that. The final squad list will be announced on Wednesday so that we will be ready for the trip to Djibouti”.

On the team’s technical preparation hence the tight schedule for both the away and home legs, Saintfiet said the team accepted its defeat to Angola in the World Cup Qualifiers “because Angola is one of the major football nations in Africa in the past fifteen years”. He described the exit as a frustrating one “but difficult task”. He thanked the players for putting up a great fight while also felicitating the GFF for the provision of all logistics required for the period. He said the focus for the Scorpions is now on Djibouti and would make all efforts to amend what was not achieved in the WC Qualifiers.

“The game is arranged for Wednesday and there is not much time for us because our players are still in action with their clubs in Europe and when they are released for the match, we will only have one training session with them. I am in daily contact with my technical staff and we are as well analyzing the Djibouti videos”.

He said Djibouti is not a bad side. “I respect them but i value my team also because our aim is to qualify the country to the group stages of the Afcon and that we have to perform on the pitch and have players who want to die for their country”. Saintfiet however remained cautious about referees decisions in such crucial games but ” we will keep the ball possession and be more efficient in front of goal”, he noted.

Reacting to any new kind of approach for the away leg, he said the team will provide effective tactics and make best use of the chances provided “because it is an away leg”. He hailed his players as trust worthy and determined to do something for their country. “I believe in the players because they are ready to fight and die. I am convinced that with the players we have, we can achieve our aims to qualify the Gambia to the Afcon and that is our ultimate”, he concluded.

Meanwhile the Scorpions are expected to fly out of town over the weekend to Djibouti via Istanbul where a brief convergence for the players across Europe would be arranged shortly before taking off to the horn of Africa.

The game is scheduled for Wednesday 9th October in Djibouti city with the return leg in Banjul on Sunday 13th October at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

Seun Methowe, Head of Advertising and Partnership Sales, DAZN

Seun Methowe, Head of Advertising and Partnership Sales, at global live sport OTT platform, DAZN, believes that new technologies and in particular streaming will create more demand from upwardly mobile players and lead to a transformation in the way that betting brands and broadcasters engage with the market.

Speaking ahead of his appearance at October’s ICE Africa where he will be one of 65 thought leaders contributing to the event’s learning streams, Methowe, confirmed: “DAZN’s platform Goal.com is the number one football destination on the continent with more than 20m users drawn from throughout the regulated gaming economies.  We are already working with major broadcasters and betting firms across Africa and there’s no doubt that technology will revolutionize the consumption of live and original sports content.”

He added: “New markets in entertainment, including virtual and fantasy football, are trends that experts in the gambling and betting industry will need to explore. Millennials in Africa are upwardly mobile and aspirational with huge numbers digesting information on sports, news and entertainment platforms with social media contributing to the ‘fuelling’ of this information digest.

“Content providers within the gaming industry are looking towards the creation of sustainable models and with a huge population base in excess of 1.3bn the potential in Africa is massive. ICE Africa is a powerful networking platform for stakeholders and therefore invaluable to any operator, decision maker or executive in the industry to garner knowledge and the opportunities that exist to grow their businesses.”

ICE Africa (2-3 October, Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa) provides an invaluable opportunity for operators, regulators and suppliers to meet, network, share best practice and see the very latest gaming products and services from the industry’s leading innovators.  Described by industry observers as ‘A showcase event that Africa can be proud of’ attendees will benefit from a programme of engaging content including Thought Leadership, Training, Regulation, Online vs. Retail, Integrated Resorts, Branding, Marketing, Sports and eSports.  Seun Methowe will be part of the panel entitled: Sports Content: How will the growth of streaming services impact sports betting and horse racing?

By Bakary Ceesay

 A squad of 21 athletes and officials has  fly Gambia’s flag high at this year’s 12th edition of the African Games to be held in Morocco from August 16-31.

The team will have representation in 5 out of 26 sporting disciplines being contested at the games.

As per the norm at the African Games, Team Gambia’s biggest contingent will come from athletics with a total of 9 athletes. Other disciplines that will form part of the team are: beach volleyball, swimming, judo and basketball 3×3.

Formerly known as All Africa games, the African Games is an important multi-sport event and the premier pinnacle of continental games held every four years – one year before the Olympic Games.

Team Gambia comprises of Olympians Adama Jammeh and Gina Bass on the tracks, beach volleyball continental cup finalist Abie Kujabie/Fatoumatta Ceesay and Qatar prince cup winners Sainey Jawo/Mbye Babou Jarra, World Championship contestant Abdourahman Ceesay and his partner for Judo and experienced swimmers and basketball 3×3 superstars.