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Over 60 members of Chadian sect killed by troops after violence

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:50:18 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

Over 60 members of a Chadian sect have been killed in fighting with police that started after the group's leader announced his wish to start a holy war. The government security minister, Mahamat Bachir, said that the death toll is "a regrettable toll, but we think we now control the situation caused by the actions carried out by these terrorists, these extremists."

Ahmat Ismael Bichara, who led the sect and claimed to follow the religion of Islam, ordered his followers to attack villagers as part of the start of a holy war. As a result of this, he was arrested.

Members of the security forces were also wounded in the attack. There were ten injuries, four of which resulted in fatalities. In addition to the deaths from the sect, over 50 members of the group were also injured.

Government officials also claimed that the sect wanted the war to spread as far as Europe. "Since June 3, he [the leader of the group] has been calling on all Muslims to prepare to engage in a holy war against Christians and atheists, saying that the war would be launched from Chad to as far as Denmark," said the offical.

The incident occurred in an area near the town of Kouno, which is 300 kilometres away from Ndjamena, the Chadian capital.

WIKI NEWS

Ivory Coast: Heavy rain kills six

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:27:55 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

eavy rains in Abidjan have displaced 450 families and killed six people.

“It rained all day on Sunday. At one point, the water level started to rise and the rain didn’t stop. After three hours, all the houses were flooded with water and everyone was trying to save themselves,” said Karim Ouedraogo, an Abidjan resident whose home was flooded.

Every year in West Africa, high rainfall combined with poor drainage, canals blocked with rubbish, and the large number of people in the region living in informal settlements means floods have a severe humanitarian consequences.

Meteorologists have warned that the region is likely to experience even higher than average rainfall in 2008. And changes in the climate also mean that rain is often falling in areas which previously received little or no precipitation.

Floods are significant because it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who are worst affected because they live in the riskiest areas and have the weakest houses, often made of mud or scrap.

In Cote d’Ivoire, which is one of the first West African countries to be affected by major flood-related displacement this year, the government has stepped in with essential supplies, shelter, and money for the displaced.

The government said in a statement that poor construction standards were to blame for the devastation. “Routes meant to drain water way have been blocked by the anarchic construction and people have built in areas which are at risk of flooding,” the minister for construction, urbanization and buildings said.

IRIN NEWS

World Sport Journalists Day to be Commemorated Tomorrow

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:05:10 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

Wednesday marked World Sports Journalist day and the Sport Journalists Association of The Gambia will join the rest of the World to commemorate the event tomorrow Saturday July 5th 2008.

According to the President of the Sports Journalist Association of the Gambia the Day is set aside by the International Sport Press Association (AIPS) to be commemorated globally by its affiliates and member countries every year.

He said the Sport Journalists Association of The Gambia has agreed to celebrate the event for the first time in The Gambia and is sponsored by Gamcel.

“The event will be commemorated on Saturday in the form of a March Past from Gamtel, Serrekunda Exchange to West Field, Youth Monument where speeches will be delivered all geared towards the advancement of sports in the country,” he pointed.

He added that the theme of the celebration is ‘Role of Sports Journalism in sports Development”,

He called on all sports Journalists in the country to take part in the celebration as it is also depicting the sign of unity within sports as a whole.

“Members of the National Scorpions Fans club were also invited to take part in the event as partners in sports development,” he added

He commended Gamcel for being the sponsors and for making it possible.

By Sainabou Kujabi

Picture: Namory Trawally

Big Weekend in the GFA First Division League, as Two Rivals Meet Again for The Title Race

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:59:15 GMT

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Friday, July 04, 2008

The Gambia Football Association 2007/08 first division league season will enter week 21 tomorrow Saturday 5thJuly 2008, and is one of the biggest weekends in the GFA first division league.Two rivals Samger and Wallidan will meet again for the title race in this year’s league mostly described by people as one of the best seasons so far in the history of the Gambian domestic league as there is no under-dog team.

The week 21 fixtures will witness the most interesting game on Sunday were the two rivals Samger and Wallidan will meet again as both team are fighting for the title race. Both are 35 points but 2 goals separate the two side’s. They are both still only 2 points ahead of 3rdplace Hawks FC, with only two games to go.

What are the chances of this three teams being crowned 2007/08 GFA champions?

Wallidan will be playing Samger and this game will be a do or die game for both teams. They drew in the first round of the league and this time is a heavy fight as a single point dropped and a win for Hawks will see the league get more complicated. Wallidan will be facing Hawks in their last game when the title race will be decided, as both teams need to win if they want to be the league champions. We expect to witness good game as both teams are very good with the ball, they are well composed and full of talented players. Wallidan are good in the midfield and attacking force while Samger are well organised and good in attacking force and we expect to see a drawn game.

Steve Biko take on Hawks FC. This is a very important match for the red devils of Hawks as they need to win their two remaining matches and pray that both Wallidan and Samger drop points. The Bakau giants are very good ifor entertaining football but scoring is their main problem. This game will be another interesting game as the former Hawks player Abou Sallah who plays now for Steve Biko FC will be facing his former club. The red devils need to go all out to collect the three points, but will the Bakau giants allow them to pass? We expect to see Hawks collect the three points On Saturday 5thJuly 2008at the Independence Stadium.

Real de Banjul are playing the Hotel Boys of Sea View. The 2007 league champions hopes of regaining the tile was dashed after they were beaten by the Academy Boys 2-1 in week 20. Real’s loss saw them with 27 points eight points behind league leaders Wallidan and Samger and 5 points behind Hawks FC. Seaview lost their game against Sait Matty by 3-1 but in this game we expect to see the City Boys regain their form and collect the three points.

Sait Matty lock horns with Gamtel. Both teams are playing well so far and collected the three points in their last games and we predict a drawn game.

Another interesting game sees the two bottom sides, . Interior and Bakau United, struggling to avoid relegation. The Bakau giants always escape in their last games but will this year see a repeat performance? They beat the league leaders Wallidan in their last game by 1-0 and that will motivate them to regain form, but will it be like the English league were the likes of Bolton will trash the likes of Arsenal but at the end they suffer at the hands of the under dog teams. Interior need to win all their remaining games and pray for GPA and Bakau United to sleep.

And other disappointing team is GPA what is happening to this team? With the type and quality of players the team has what is stopping them from wining games? Are the players committed? Is the sacking of the head coach Lukeh the solution? or are there differences in the dressing room? The Ferry Boys’ only hope of remaining in the first division is in their hands as they must beat Armed Forces and Gamtel. Will they be able to win these games with only 2 wins since the beginning of the league? The Armed boys are lying in 5thposition in the table and will be looking to maintain their position or move up but their hopes of wining the title were dashed away.

By Ebou Manneh

Pictures: Samger FC (1) & Wallidan FC

Gambian Athlete Leaves for Poland

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:54:33 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

Gambian International Athlete Suwaibou Sanneh, left Banjul yesterday for Poland to attend the World Junior championship in Athletics scheduled to take place from the 8thto the 13thof this month.

Suwaibou who is a 100 and 200 meters distance runner has met the qualifying time of 10.7 in 100m and 21.6 in 200m therefore giving him the automatic qualification to represent The Gambia in the junior championship.

According to information received from The Gambia Athletics Association, Suwaibou is travelling to the Championship unaccompanied by any official. This is linked to lack of adequate funds by GAA.

Suwaibou’s trip was made possible through the International Association of Athletics, who provided his ticket which does not cater for any official.

By Sainabou Kujabi

Picture: Suwaibou Sanneh

National Athletics Championship Kick off Yesterday

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:47:28 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

The Gamstar sponsored National Athletics championship, organised by The Gambia Athletics Association, kicked off yesterday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

According Alh Dodou Joof, Secretary General of the Gambia Athletics Association, the championship, will end on Saturday, in which the finals of the various events will be held.

The events to be competed in include shot put, long Jump, 100m, 200, 400, 4x100 and 4x400m relays among others.

The entrance for the championship is said to be free of charge.

By Sainabou Kujabi

Picture: National Athletes

ECOWAS Wrestling Championship Kick Off in Dakar

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:42:07 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

ECOWAS Wrestling Championship Kick Off in Dakar

By Pa Modou Faal in Dakar

The second edition of the ECOWAS Wrestling Championship has official kicked off in Dakar yesterday at the Stadium Iba Mar Diop with 11 countries participating in the competition includingSenegal The Gambia, Burkina Faso Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, Mali, Niger ,Ivory coast, Guinea Bissauand Guinea Conakry

Speaking in an interview with Pointsports, Mr. Sammuel Mogaji program Officer ICT Training and Capacity building ECOWAS Youth and Sports based in Burkina Faso, said the programme is in two parts. One is aimed at bringing integration within the Sub Region and also to develop traditional wrestling as an African contribution to International Sports.

He stated that the wrestling will be in five categories 65kg 75kg 85kg less than 100 and plus 100.

He revealed that there will individual competitions and team events, adding that for the individual there are prizes. First will receive 1million CFA, 2nd 500.000CFA and 3rdprize is 250.000 CFA. For the team competition the prizes are as follows 1st is 2.5million CFA, 2nd 1.5 million CFA and 3rdis 750.000CFA and Trophies.

Mr. Mogali said at the level of ECOWAS they want to organise a similar competition for the women of member countries.

He called on member countries to involve Women Wrestling in their National activities.

The Gambia delegation headed by Mr. Matarr Jarju comprises of the following wrestlers:

Haruna Bojang, Tinboy, Musa Sarr, Sareteh and Mafoday Sarr.

The wrestling, which startedyesterday, is expected to end on Sunday and is expected to be graced by the permanent secretary department of youth and sports Mr, Mamanyick Njie.

Participating countries have been divided into the following three groups Group A: Senegal, Burkina Faso and Togo. Group B: Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia and Mali. Group C: Niger, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau and Guinea Conakry.

By Sainabou Kujabi

Gilkock to Host Another Triangular Tournament

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:40:28 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

A triangular football tournament will be hosted by Brufut based Gilkock Football Academy featuring Neighbourhood Football Academy of Tallinding and Dorleh Football Academy of Jarra Soma on the 12thJuly 2008.

The tournament was made possible tournament courtesy of Allan Nevado a Danish national, who assisting these three academies with football materials .

According to Allan Nevado, “I thought it would be a good thing to create an avenue for these academies to come together for a day and know each other. And the best way to do this is to organise an event such as this.” He went on to say that the reasons for singling out Brufut as the host is that last year he witnessed the inter Gilkock football tourney which was hosted by Brufut and “I was impressed with their level of organisation.”

“This is why I selected Brufut to host this year’s tourney and I hope the other academies learn from Brufut as I wish the event to be an annual one.”

As host, Buba K Jallow the Technical Director of Gilcock, said “we are working tirelessly to acquire funds to successfully host our guests during the event. This is not the first time we’re hosting such an event. From experience the major problem in organising such an event is the money to provide food and refreshments for the participants. Therefore I appeal to companies, institutions and individuals to come to our immediate aid regarding financial assistant,” Buba said.

Buba therefore called on individuals, companies and institutions to contact Sang Mendy the public relations officer of Gilkock on 9830861-7893861or 6430633 for any assistance.

By Sang Mendy

Brikama United Stretch Their Lead

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:35:48 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

Brikama United have extended their lead in race for the title of the Second Division of The Gambia Football Association.Beating Starlight on Tuesday has increased their points to 24 and widened the gap between them and their fellow contenders.

Serrekunda East FC had a surprise 2-1 win over Kaira Silo which has earned them a big move to the top with 19 points overtaking Jambanjelly, Nema United and Kaira Silo. Nema are currently on 18, Jambanjelly are 17, while Kaira Silo have 16 points.

Tallinding and Young African were locking horns last evening as we went to press.

A victory for Tallinding who are on 18 pointswill earn them the second position spotwith 21 points behindBrikama. But failing to win will give a chance to Serrekunda East .Young Africans, Ham Ham and Flamemins are all in the redzone holding 13 and 12 points respectively. Young Africans will have an opportunity to move ahead depending on their game last evening with Tallinding.

Starlight are still at the bottom of the table with 8 points .

By Sainabou Kujabi

Picture: Brikama FC

Primary School Cricket Knockout Tourney Reaches Final

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:17:55 GMT

Friday, July 04, 2008

A primary school Cricket tournament organised by The Gambia Cricket Association for schools in Banjul is at its final stages. The six-team tournamentkicked off on the 13thof June and has featured St . Joseph’s, Wesley, St Mary’s, Albion, Campama, and JC Faye primary schools.

Albion will meet Primary school league champions St Joseph in the final, scheduled for Friday, July 11, 2008 at the July 22 Square in Banjul.

Jonny Gomez, Vice President of The Gambia Cricket Association, speaking to Pointsports, said the tournament is being staged for the second time. He added that both finalists will receive a trophy, Kits, bats pads and gloves at the end of the final.

He said the tournament has featured very interesting matches, adding that one of the finalists, Albion are determined to win in the finals. This, he said, is a sign of progress that the game of Cricket is now been perceived by the younger generation and at grassroots level.

Meanwhile. Johnny has also informed Pointsports that the U-15 and U-17 national cricket teams are currently training in preparation for the upcoming champions to take place in The Gambia and Nigeria.

The Gambia will be hosting the U-15 cricket tournament in Banjul in October starting on the 21st featuringcountries likeCameroon, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria and Morocco; including The Gambia.The same countries will be represented in November in Nigeria at U-17 level.

By Sainabou Kujabi

Picture: Girls in cricket action