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Blackburn set sight on Cherno Samba

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:55:39 GMT

Friday, November 28, 2008

According to Gambia Sports Online, another Gambian player is being linked to a possible move to English Premier League club, Blackburn Rovers, less than a week after the club announced that they had dropped its interest in teenage midfielder Tijan Jaiteh.

Gambia Sports Online has been revealed that the Gambia striker Cherno Samba, who currently plays for Finnish club FC Haka, has been training with
Blackburn Rovers with a view to a possible move in January. Samba, who has been training at Rovers and talking to club officials since last week, has also reportedly attracted the attention of two other unnamed clubs in the Premier League and Championship (English second league).

FC Haka Vice President Juha Lahtinen says Samba has passed the trials well. “Samba on Friday told me on telephone that the trial was very successful and that he passed it really well” Lahtinen said. Samba, 23, signed for Haka at the end of August but his appearance was only limited to seven league appearances in the Veikkauslliga after a campaign interrupted by injuries and sickness. Samba who has featured for the English national team at every youth level opted in September to represent his country of birth the Gambia at full international level.

He debuted in the 3-0 win over Liberia in a World/Nations cup fixture in Banjul. When contacted, the player told Gambia Sports Online that Haka and Blackburn Rovers are now negotiating the terms for his move. “I have been with Rovers for the past week and now they discussing terms with Haka, who are requesting for a million-pound transfer fee,” he told gambiasports.gm.

Asked what chances there were of a deal being struck, Samba said: “I am hopeful that a deal can be reached in the next few days.”

Author: DO

Jarumeh Youth Association elects new executive

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:18:19 GMT

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Jarumeh Koto Youth Association, last Monday elected a nine-member executive body to be responsible of the day to day affairs of the association for a period of six months. The meeting which took place at at Bakoteh Estate was attended by forty members of the association.

The newly elected executive include; Ebrima KS Ceesay as the chairperson, Mawdo Sawaneh, vice chairperson, Haruna Cham, secretary general, Sulayman Jabbi assistance secretary general, Lamin Lisa Ceesay, treasurer, Mamadou Edrissa Njie, as the PRO, Ansumana Ceesay, auditor and Mam Danso as the assistant auditor.

In his remarks, Ebrima KS Ceesay, the newly elected chairperson of the association, vowed to work hard towards the attainment of the aims and objectives of the association. "My interest culminated from a great desire to serve my village through strong leadership qualities, characterized by hardwork, dedication and commitment to my duties at all times," he remarked.

For his part, Mamadou Edrissa Njie, the newly elected public relations officer (PRO) of the association, urged the members to work in closer collaboration, in order to achieve a successful implementation of their planned activities.

He said that the new executive members were elected due to their commitment and dedication towards the association. PRO Njie also advised the new executive to be more instrumental in their new responsibilities in the execution of their duties.

Author: by Asanatou Bojang & Adama Kah

Brufut marathon organisers get boost ahead of the annual event

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:37:03 GMT

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Barely two weeks before the popular Brufut marathon race, the organisers of the annual competition, have received a major boost from British hilanthropic organisation who donated several gifts towards the successful organisation of the event.

Friends of the Gambia (FOTGA), a UK based charitable organisation on Monday, donated four trophies, twelve medals, over one hundred certificates and
cheque for nineteen thousand one hundred and fifty dalasis to the Brufut Marathon Run Association (BMRA) in a presentation ceremony held at the
Senegambia Beach Hotel.

Presenting the gifts, Mr David Smith, a member of Friends of The Gambia Association, said this was not the first time his association has rendered
such services, noting that since 17 years back they have been contributing to various sectors including education and health.

He urged Brufut Marathon Run Association to use the gifts in the best interest of the local people. Mr Ba Jabbi, chairman of the BMRA thanked their
long time partners for the kind gesture. He said the aid could not have come at a better time, adding “It will help the BMRA to stage a memorable event
come December 6.

Monday’s presentation ceremony was witnessed by the members of both association and a cross section of the Brufut community. Meanwhile, Brufut
Marathon Run Association has called all interested individuals and companies who have not yet registered for next month’s event to do so before November 30.

Author: by Isatou M.A Jallow

Mauritanian community thanks President Jammeh

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:51:04 GMT

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Mauritarian community in The Gambia recently wrote to the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, to thank him for his concern over the enormous challenges that their country is currently facing, among other things.

The full text of the letter, which was signed by Mory Gueta Cisse, CEO and Managing Director of Sunbeach Hotel and Resort, is reproduced below. I wish to be allowed to take the opportunity to thank you in the name of the Mauritanian community living in The Gambia, as well as all Mauritanians for your concern about our local problems that you continue to take care of, in addition to our heavy pending political problems in Mauritania.

Your Excellency, when you honoured our community by according an audience to its representatives calling on your direct intervention to find a political solution on the issue in Mauritania, we were sure that you were among the few authorities around the world who can efficiently intervene successfully in the pending Mauritania political issue.

By the grace of the Almighty Allah, according to the results recorded in the field, our premonition was correct as your intervention based on your long experience in matters of state is very successful, and the situation in Mauritania will be normal very soon. We wish and believe that you should maintain your contacts and advice to the concerned authorities to reinforce the foundation of this first successful step, representing the release of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallah as the situation will be very critical for Mauritanians and Mauritania and even for neighbouring countries in the next coming days if nothing is done to preserve the peace and stability of Mauritania.

Your Excellency, Mr President, we have do doubt that you will continue your noble and peaceful mission and in this circumstance, there is no word that can express our sentiment of gratitude towards your good self and to your so lovely and peaceful country and fellow citizens.

Allah The Almighty will reward you as a true Pan-African who is politically engaged in helping to solve all conflicts in our motherland Africa.Your Excellency, May Allah The Almighty continue to cover you by his divine grace and grant long life and good health to your good self and your family, in recognition also of what you are doing to help Muslims, not only Gambians but all needy members of the African communities living in The Gambia to perform their Hajj to the holy places of Islam, our sacred religion.

Your Excellency, Mr President allow me once again to thank and congratulate you on your successful intervention in Mauritania, and to pray that Allah the Almighty continues guiding you in this successful way for more and more successful interventions for the prestige of Gambian diplomacy.

Author: DO

Tijan Jaiteh wins young player award

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:42:21 GMT

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

According to Gambia Sports Online, the Gambia international Tijan Jaiteh has been voted the Young Player of the Year for his Norwegian club SK Brann.

The 19-year-old former Gambia Ports Authority midfielder reclaimed the individual title he won last season after enjoying another successful season in the premier tier of the Scandinavian football.

“Winning the award a second time is even sweeter than the first time,” Jaiteh, who was also named man-of-the-match in Brann’s 1-0 home win over Valarenga in their final league match on Sunday, told Gambia Sports Online.

“It’s always more difficult to defend an award than winning it the first time.

“I am very happy to win the award a second time in only my second season at the club.”

Tijan successfully guided Brann to the Norwegian league title last season, and despite his failure to defend the title this season, the Gambian insists he was better of this season than last year.

“I feel have been a better player this season and contributed more to the club than I did last year even though we failed to achieve what we were able to achieve last year,” Gambia Sports’ reporter, Baboucarr Camara, quoted the energetic midfielder saying.

While Tijan played the full match against Valerenga his compatriot Njogu Demba, who joined Brann at the start of the season, was recovering from a groin operation.

Both players were in the Gambian team that held Senegal to a 1-1 draw in Dakar last month resulting in the elimination of Senegal from the 2010 World and African Nations Cup finals.

The Gambia also missed out on qualification, after Mozambique squeezed through equal on points with the Gambia but edging the Scorpions out on goal difference.

Author: by Nanama Keita

2008 NAYCONF date slated

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:32:05 GMT

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Pa Malick Ceesay, executive secretary of the National Youth Council has revealed that the biennial National Youth Conference and Festival (Nayconf) is slated to take place from 16th –24th December at Farafenni, North Bank Region.

Mr Ceesay also said that vigorous preparations are currently going on so as to make this year’s youth gathering is the best and the most successful.

Mr Ceesay made these revelations yesterday during a meeting of the National Organising Committee for Nayconf at the conference hall of the National Youth Council at the independence stadium. According to him, this year’s theme is Invest in youths for sustainable development.

Mambanyick Njie, permanent secretary, Department of State for Youth and Sports said "we at the Youth and Sports department believe that Nayconf is part of national development."

He argued that Nayconf must be treated as a national event. "What is required is to be committed or else we will fail," he advised.

Author: by Amadou Jallow

What on: Mbye Nder comes to Observer

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:11:17 GMT

Friday, October 10, 2008

The internationally renowned Senegalese crooner, Alioune Mbaye Nder, on Wednesday visited the offices of the Daily Observer in Bakau.

In an interview with What’s On during the visit, Alioune Mbye Nder described his Banjul visit as one of his most successful trips. He saluted the organisers for hosting such a powerful programme.

According to him, the turnout was positive. He particularly lauded the concert played for children noting that children are the future leaders of tomorrow and need to be nurtured.

The Mbalax star hailed the work of the Daily Observer in the promotion of the music industry.

“I am happy with the Daily Observer. You have participated greatly to the development of this country,” the visibly pleased singer stated.

The Amnesty International ambassador for women further assured his fans of his readiness to always come to The Gambia to perform. He also revealed his willingness to fight against all forms of violence and discrimination against women in the world.

As an ambassador of children, peace, and Senegalese students, the Senegalese star highlighted the messages of peace sent to the people during his recent concerts.

He then acknowledged the audience granted to him by President Jammeh, describing the Gambian leader as a true Pan-Africanist. “I like President Jammeh. I definitely love him. We have been meeting on several occasions but only on ceremonial grounds, but this audience was special and I definitely appreciate it,” he said.

He also thanked President Jammeh , most especially for the ‘special gold Kora’ given to him by the president.

According to him, President Jammeh can be the leader of Africa. He noted that under his leadership, The Gambia will be better transformed.

He also took time to dilate on the cordial relations between The Gambia and Senegal and called for more African integration..

Ansumana Jammeh, executive director of JFP, who accompanied the musician, described the JFP program as successful. According to him, everything went well, and the turnout was impressive.

“Hopefully, we will organise another big event very soon. We organised one in the past but it was not as big as this one. The past dinner was an exceptionally spectacular one,” he said.

Author: by Kojo and Alhagie Jobe

Wallidan clinch double

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:48:07 GMT

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

If the saying 'experience is the best teacher' is anything to go by, then Wallidan, one of the most successful and decorated clubs in Gambian football have just shown that at the Independence Stadium on Sunday.

When all seemed lost for them in a fiery and much anticipated FA Cup final clash against an ingenious and love-to-watch Samger side, they struck two goals in the space of four minutes to level and eventually put four shots pass Samger's goalie to send the academy boys packing in tears.

Wallidan were the first to threaten with George Cole and Muhamed Sugufara trying outside shots in the first ten minutes. They got punished for their early threat as Samger's skipper Ebrima Jaiteh netted from the spot after Assan Gassama was brought down by Sarjo Jarju.

Samger added more woes to Wallidan faithfuls when Lamin Samateh's solo effort culminated into his team's second three minutes into the second half to usher them near to their first ever silverware.

Wallidan's George Cole, Ebrima Sonko, Yunusa Jallow and Muhamed Sugufara struggled to break through Samger's defense marshalled by Ebrima Jaiteh, Pa Sulayman Badjie, Emmanuel Gomez and Victor Jatta but all their efforts proved futile at first.

When Samger was just entertaining the crowd by doing what they love most, knocking the ball around, Ali Ceesay was caught stripping down Wallidan's Ebrima Sonko in the area giving their opponent a penalty which was easily tapped in by skipper George Cole in the 83rd minute. Ceesay got sent off for a second bookable for that incident.

Wallidan got fired up as they refused to retire by coming all out for an equalizer. They did not have to wait long for that as Ebrima Sonko volleyed in Wayeh Sey's cross three minutes to time to allow penalties to break the tie.

Ebrima Jaiteh and Lamin Samateh, Samger's goal scorers, became their own nemesis as they failed to convert their kicks that earned Wallidan their tenth double in many years.

Author: by Bezenty Gomez

Red Bulls sign Wallidan starlet

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:32:24 GMT

Monday, September 01, 2008

Following the success of New England' Revolution’s Gambian duo, Sainey Nyassi and Abdoulie Kenny Mansally, young Gambian players have become the in-demand imports in the America’s Major League Soccer.

Observer Sports has reliably learnt of the signing of 18-year-old Wallidan striker in Sainey Touray (ballack) by the MLS giants, New York Red Bulls, on Friday.

Touray, who has had a successful trial with the New Yorkers, has signed a developmental contract, and to make room for him on the roster, midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic was moved to the senior roster.

A native of Serrekunda, Touray had a memorable season with Wallidan last season, leading the team to the 2008 league title as the club's top scorer with nine goals.

Prior to that, the talented attacking mid-fielder started his career with Tallinding United of the second division league, where he was the league's youngest forward after joining the team in 2003.

A one-time trialist at Arsenal, Sainey Touray has been capped at both the under-17 and under-20 levels for The Gambia.

Author: by Nanama Keita

Iranian diplomat explores legislative ties

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 06:53:34 GMT

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the speaker of the National Assembly, on Tuesday, received Saeid Zare, the head of the Iranian Mission to The Gambia, in her office, in a bid to establish ties between the Assembly and the Iranian parliament.

Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after his audience with the speaker, Mr Zare said his visit was meant to explore possibilities of forging ties between the legislatures of the two countries, for future cooperation.

“My discussion with the speaker centred on how the two parliaments can have exchange visits in a bid to strengthen the fruitful relationship between Iran and The Gambia,” he said, noting that Iran is very keen to see greater partnership between the two legislatures.

The Iranian diplomat expressed hope that with the efforts of the speakers of the two countries, this relationship will materialise in the not too distant future.
Sierra Leonean

High Commissioner
In a separate engagement, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay also received Mohammed Foday Yamkalia, the Sierra Leonean high commissioner to The Gambia, who bade her farewell, following the end of his diplomatic assignment in the country.

In an interview with reporters, Mr Yumkolra described his stay in The Gambia as successful, adding that the bilateral relations between Banjul and Freetown had been strengthened during his tenure.

“One of my major assignments during my term was to see how the cordial relationship between the two countries could be further strengthened,” the outgoing Sierra Leonean diplomat said.

According to the high commissioner, it was his wish to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of agriculture, health and education, as well as explore ways and means in which the medical schools of the two countries can have exchange programmes, which has a bearing on sub-regional integration.

Author: by Hatab Fadera