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Latriya Fan Club Receives a Fillip from Snoopy Foundation

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:00:38 GMT

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Latriya Fan Club over the weekend received an intervention in the form of football gear from a renowned Samaritan Charity called the Snoopy Foundation which is headed by Madam. Jolanda from Holland.

The items donated to Latriya Fan Club and JabangVillage included football jerseys, shin guards and other football materials.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the at Latriya Football Field, Madam Jolanda expressed delight for donating the materials to the fans of Latriya and Jabang.

According to her, the donation came about as a result of Henk and Harbart Damen who supported Hands Together with some Gambians in Latriya. She revealed that the aim of the donation is to improve football at a grassroots level.

The youth leader of Latriya Fan Club, Mr. Mamadou Jallow, hailed the donors for their benevolent gesture, adding that this is the first time Latriya has received such a donation.

As a result of this a friendly football match was organised between Latriya and Jabang which ended 3-1 in favour of Latriya.

In another development the Snoopy Foundation donated a car to Latriya Foundation called Hands Together for The Gambia.

Author: Abdoulie Njockeh

‘Kidnap ended our love’ - DJ Mtirara denies affair

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:28:36 GMT

Monday, December 01, 2008

Metro FM DJ Paul Mtiraras girlfriend Lolly Thomas was kidnapped at a club in Pretoria, Tshwane. A fortnight ago Mtirara, the popular Midnight Moves show presenter, left his sweetheart stranded outside club Cofi where he had been playing as part of his Sunday soul sessions show. A friend who does not want his name disclosed told Sunday World that an argument broke out between the couple because Mtirara was flirting with other women. Thomas, 23, got jealous and she then started shouting and...

Source: http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=896032

Farag reveals Ahly regret

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Monday, December 01, 2008

CAIRO: Ahly striker Ahmed Hassan Farag said that he regrets moving to the Red Devils from Ghazl Mahalla last summer.Farag had very few minutes of playing with Ahly so far in the season, and the 26-year-old said that he will be leaving the club in January."I realized that coming to Ahly wasn’t a smart move," Farag told Kora FM radio."I was regularly playing at Mahalla and finished second top scorer in the league last season. I am not used to staying that much away from the field."Farag added...

Source: http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=18178

UTG Science Club hands over new executive

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:50:06 GMT

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The outgoing executive members of the Science Club of the University of The Gambia last Thursday, handed over key position to the executive body, at a ceremony held at the GOVI hall in Kanifing.

In his opening speech, Mr Lamin M.B Sanneh, the IEC chairperson of the Science Club, said that, this is another significant step for the department of science and technology and the agriculture department. According to him, each and everyone has an important role to play because the outgoing members have realised significant achievements.

Mr Sanneh then advised the incoming members to live up to expectations and make good use of the club property. He urged them to be fully dedicated to the their duty and do their level best to deliver on their promises.

For his part, Ousman Sowe, the outgoing secretary general, disclosed that, the day is another historic day in the history of the Science Club in the sense that for the first time, the mantle of leadership of the club is to hand over to a woman. According to him, it is usually believed that women are not very conversant associated with science, but they are proving that wrong today.

He added that, the services they provide for the student of the UTG are unrivalled, in the sense that, it is affordable and quality. He said the club is a service provider, as they have gone beyond by providing photocopy and printing services to the UTG students, lecturers, students, and teachers of neighbouring school and the general public.

Yunusa Drammeh, the outgoing vice president, welcomed the incoming members of the club and urged them to be committed and work closely with the members in order to over come the challenges that lies ahead of them. Mr Drammeh added that, as a leader, they’ll meet lot of people with different ideas. But he urged them to be very receptive to ideas because a good listener is a good leader.

For her part, Awa Minteh, the first female incoming president of the Science Club, called on the members of the Science Club not to underestimate the importance of extracurricular activities especially that of the science club. The objectives of the Science Club, she explained, have created a learning ground for them. “I see no reason why we should not make use of it. We all have an inner ability, but it is left to us to pinpoint that ability and harness it and through the objective of the club. I know that you can do it,‡” she stated.

She also thanked the outgoing executive for a job well done. According to her, their term in office will not be very difficult because the outgoing members has already pave the way for them by building a strong foundation for them.

Author: by Mariatou Ngum-Saidy & Omar Wally

Njogu Demba wants ex-Coach at Brann

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:25:18 GMT

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

With rumours of a move to his old club seemingly still swirling around, Gambian striker Njogu Demba has moved to clear the doubts about his future.

Brann has confirmed talks taking place in Norway between its sports director and Troels Bech, the coach of Njogu’s former team in Denmark, Esbjerg. Rumours of Njogu’s departure started after the player travelled to Denmark and was seen at Esbjerg home game which coincided with Brann’s final league fixture at the Brann Stadion.

Sections of the Danish media immediately linked his presence in Denmark with a possible move back to Esbjerg only season after he left to join Brann on a three-year deal. The transition to Brann and Norwegian football has been tough for Njogu and it is clear he hasn’t always paid a deaf ear to media criticism of his performances.

“I came to Brann to play. But if they doubt my skills, I do not want to play here either. However that’s up to them to decided not me,” Njogu reportedly told a local Bergen newspaper.But the Gambian international may have been given a reason to see through his final two years and try to prove his media critics wrong. With Iver Mons-Mjelde having stepped down at the end of the season, Brann has approached Njogu’s former coach in Denmark as a possible replacement for Mjelde.

“I had Troels Bech as coach in Esbjerg, and I have only positive things to say about him,” Njogu told the same Bergen newspaper. “He is a great man and a skilled trainer. This was something I had heard on the media. “One can never know who the right coach for a club is, but Bech may be a good man for Brann.” Signing Bech may also help the Gambian international rediscover the confidence level that made him a hit at Esbjerg. Courtesy of Gambia Sports Online

Author: by Nanama Keita

Bakoteh Upper Basic SES Club Holds Set-Settal

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:33:30 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Social and Environmental Studies club of Bakoteh Upper Basic School in Region One recently conducted an evening set-settal at their school campus.

Speaking to this reporter shortly after the end of the exercise, the teacher co-ordinator of Bakoteh Upper Basic School SES club, Mr. Nfansu Jaiteh, said the main aims of the exercise were to clear the school campus of dirty and condemned used tins, eliminate the harmful insects and dangerous animals, keep the campus free from hazardous organisms and promote good health among the inhabitants of the school. Mr. Jaiteh said his club is alive, vibrant and always breaking new ground every day. He also outlined his future plans for the club to engage in outreach programmes like discussions on environmental problems, sensitising members and non- members in the school about the importance of our environment and quiz competitions with other schools in the region.

According to Mr. Jaiteh, even the principal of Bakoteh Upper Basic School, Mr. Louis J. Bass, and his staff, who where present during the set-settal exercise, judged his club’s performance as one to be reckoned with.

The exercise brought together over 30 members of the SES club in the school and was punctuated with drumming and dancing.

Author: Lamin B. Darboe

Source: Picture: Bakoteh Upper Basic Students

Jorko Case Heard

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:28:09 GMT

Friday, November 07, 2008

One Saiku Mendy on Tuesday testified before Magistrate Pa-Harry Jammeh of the Brikama Magistrates’ court in the trial Ousman Faal who was charged with stealing contrary to section 252 of the criminal code cap 10 Vol.III Laws of The Gambia.

In his testimony PW1, Saiku Mendy, told the court that it happened on the 11thday of June 2008at Jokor night club. He said while he was sitting inside the club he saw the accused Ousman Faal with others coming in and later they bought beer each. He said as the accused was leaving the club he saw him taking the plastic chairs. He added that the accused was later apprehended and taken to Brikama police Station.

He further testified that at the police Station he confessed that his colleagues went with the chairs but added that he did not know the other suspects.

Hearing continues.

Author: Yai Dibba

Senegalese Coach Lamine N’diaye on the Senegal-Gambia match

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:24:31 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

The Gambia national football team is one of the best teams in this 2010 African and wold cup qualification round according to Lamine N’diaye the Senegalese coach.

“The Gambian national team is playing like a divisional club because it’s formed by players who had the chance to play together since been juniors in the African and World Cup Championships two years ago. And it’s almost the same team that will be performing on the 11 of October in Dakar for the return leg.

“It is no more The Gambia of twenty (20) years ago that is coming to Dakar; to be defeated and go back. They need to win because they never reach this stage of the tournament”, he declare in an interview recently with the RTS National TV.
The Senegalese team being at the third place of the group of six with 8 points (+2) behind Algeria (9 points) and the Gambia with 8 points (+3) also need to win the match in order to qualify.

He declared that his boys are well motivated for a 90-minute match to avoid disgracing the Senegalese football fans, who will not digest a defeat.

He revealed that even the former captain and midfielder Kalilou Fadiga is recalled to consolidate the ambiance of the team like in the old good time of 2002.
Mr N’diaye concluded that he is counting highly on his group since they are conscious of what they should do since the defeat in Algeria.

“Senegal and the Gambia are two brotherly countries with a bloodily relation between the people and the challenge of the game will not destroy their relationship. It’s a football match and will remain that. It should be played with discipline and when the best team wins, the Senegalese and the Gambian people will be behind the winner to push him forward like when the Senegalese victories during the wold cup 2002 were celebrated in the Gambia.
The Senegalese authorities; like the Gambians who have well played their part in terms of public security in the first leg have not the right to fail to secure the Gambians to play and go back home in peace and safety according to CAF and FIFA conventions.

Author: Ousman Thiam

Source: Senegalese Coach Lamine N'Diaye

Foundation Stone of Multi Million Beach Club Laid

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:15:33 GMT

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

As part of activities marking the 14th anniversary of the July 22nd military take-over, the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Nancy Njie, last Friday laid the foundation stone of a multi-million Dalasi beach club in Tujereng, Kombo South, Western Region. The need for the tourism facility is predicated on the fact that tourists that come to the tropical sunshine paradise of The Gambia would be thrilled by the availability of such facilities in addition to the de luxe hotels that have for some time been the main focal points of the tourism industry in the country.

Some investors consequently deemed it necessary to come up with something that would give holidaymakers a real feel of the country. One among those investment companies, that is concerned with and committed to ensuring that The Gambia carves a giant status in the tourism sector, is Sparam Gambia Limited.

The facility, named Mangrove Beach Club, will be built at a cost of D225m and will be developed in three different phases.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Nancy Njie, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, described the occasion as a milestone in the history of Gambian tourism. “This proposed high quality hotel is indeed a pride to the tourism industry of the Gambia,” she posited.

She underscored the importance of tourism to the socio-economic development of the country and congratulated the investors for their foresight in choosing The Gambia as one of their investment destinations.

“Tourism contributes between 16% to 18% of the country’s GDP. It provides employment to over 20, 000 people. As a result of its economic importance, the government of The Gambia under the leadership of President Jammeh has the long term vision as stated in the blueprint Vision 2020 of turning The Gambia to a tourist paradise and a major tourist destination through product diversification and quality improvements.”

According to Secy. Nancy Njie, the project will greatly benefit not only the tourism industry but also the local people in general. “This is no doubt a move in the right direction towards transforming The Gambia into a tourist destination,” she said.

For his part, Mr. Thomas C. Hiese, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sparam Company, expressed delight in having the opportunity to invest in The Gambia. According to him, the company feels very proud and delighted to contribute its quota towards the development of Gambian tourism.

Mr. Hiese’s Gambian counterpart, Momodou Jagana, commended President Jammeh for creating the enabling environment for more investors to come into the country.

Other speakers on the occasion included Mr. Alieu Mboge, Director General Gambia Tourism Authority, Hon. Paul Mendy, National Assembly Member for Kombo South, and Mr. Karamo Bojang, the Alkalo of Tujereng.

Also present on the occasion were Mr. Ousman Sonko, Secretary of State for the Interior, Momodou Kotu Cham, Secretary of State for Forestry and Environment, Mrs. Fatou Lamin Faye, Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Lamin Bojang, Secretary of State for Works, Construction and Infrastructure, among other dignitaries.

Author: By Baboucarr Senghore

Source: (Monday, 28th July 2008 Issue)

The History Of GPA Football Club

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:43:19 GMT

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Following a string of poor performances in the GFA first division league this season, the 2007/8 Gambia Football Association Super Cup Champions, GPA, will be playing its football in the GFA second division domestic league next season.The results came as a result of bad performances in the first division league this season.

The Gambia Ports Authority was established in 1973 and the core of their players were snatched from Real De Banjul. It became one of the best clubs in the country with players like Goalkeeper Saho, Alhaji Sarr, Head Coach of Seaview, Kabba Ceesay, FIFA Player Agent to name a few. In around 1988/9, the club ceased to exist and in its place came Waterside FC which was the club feeder team.

In 1996, Falcons FC, which won the Banjul Nawetaan, was transformed to GPA FC. The team gained promotion from the 3rd division while coached by Ebou Faye, who also doubled up as player. He scored a brace of goals that secure the clubs promotion to the 2nd division. He coached the team until it was on the threshold of gaining promotion but then left for further studies and Kabba Ceesay took over as the coach. After two seasons, Modou Lamin Fofana (Faraba), the current Caretaker Coach, took over as the coach. He won the championship in 1998/9 season and FTI trophy.

In 2001, Demba Ramata took over for a season before Ebou Faye took over again for three seasons. Alhaji Sarr, took over in the 2005/6 season and this period could be described as the golden period of the club as they won the league in his first year. They followed this with the Super Cup and FA Cup in his second season. His abrupt departure to Seaview created a vacuum that was difficult to fill.

Analysis of the season:

GPA F C

This is the saddest chapter for someone who has the team in his heart. The club had everything but did nothing. two wins, 14 draws and six losses tell the story of a team too inconsistent to be in the premier league. Ultimately, GPA were not good enough. The players did not have the heart for the fight. They looked like the 11th best team in the league. Hardworking, but without the quality needed to survive. The league table doesn’t lie. The points total shows that they were not good enough. Over 22 matches they didn’t do enough to stay in the 1st division. End of story.

It feels like the end of the world but it isn’t. They have to regroup and get on with life and they should. Football is about character and resilience. It’s how you bounce back. In all honesty, GPA FC cannot have too many complaints. Any team with a record of just 2 wins in 22 games and more defeats cannot hope for too much in a league where competition is now honed to cut-throat proportions.

It’s just difficult to identify a single major reason for the team’s poor performance as I believe there were a comedy of errors and misjudgment analyzing it from the outside. The club Management’s failure to monitor and intervene at the right time was a factor. Sacking the Head Coach, Ebou Joof was a big mistake as the intended objective was not achieved. The club management should always analyze when to sack a coach as it is bound to have a ripple effect on the players. Another problem, I think, is management paying higher allowance to squad players than the so-called ordinary players. This was a destabilizing factor. As squad players normally play less matches than the ordinary players who are always much more committed to the team. This affected the team spirit and created the lack of courage, motivation and character to grind out results when it mattered.

The GPA board must look into this question and find a solution to make sure that the team is back into first division football next season. Some pertinent questions are:

1 Why is the team not winning games?

2. Has the departure of Coach Alhagie Sarr adversely affected the team in its performance and morale?

3. Are the players totally committed?

4. Is the sacking of Coach Lukeh the solution?

5. Is there any difference in the dressing room?

These are all questions that the board of the team need to ask themselves to make sure that the team can make it back to first division football.

Analysis made by Ebou Faye

Author: By Ebou Manneh

Source: Picture: GPA FC