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A round-up of Gambians abroad

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:11:19 GMT

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Here is Gambia Sports Online's report card for this week.

AUSTRIA

Pa Saikou Kujabi has seen all there is to see in football since his comeback from malaria in the past three weeks.

He won the penalty that launched Ried to a 3-0 whipping of Linz, scored the equalizer in Ried’s 2-2 draw with Red Bull Salzburg and then what in his latest game at the weekend? Pa Saikou got sent off! The Gambian left back was ejected in the 59th minute after picking up a second booking. Leading 1-0 at the time, Sturm Graz took advantage of their numerical superiority to score two more and win the game 3-0. Ried remain 6th in the standings despite the loss.

There was better news for Modou Jagne and Altach as they grabbed only their third win of the season. And it was an emphatic victory too, as they dispatched fellow strugglers Kapfenberg 3-0 in front of an Altach home crowd more accustomed this season to seeing their team being humbled. Jagne was a late substitute who came on in the 86th minute.

The win left Altach still needing 2 points to climb out of the relegation zone.In the Austrian second division or Erste Liga, Gambian vice skipper Matthew Mendy’s Vocklabruck earned an important point at St Polten with a come-from-behind 1-1 draw. Matt joined the action from the 64th minute.

The draw kept Vocklabruck 2 points off the danger zone. Matt’s compatriot, Pa Ousman Sonko, was also involved in a drawn game as his Red Bull amateurs threw away a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes of their game against visiting Wacker Tirol. Red Bull fans were disappointed with the 2-2 draw but their team still leads Matt Mendy’s Vocklabruck by two points.

BELGIUM

Momodou Ceesay didn’t feature in Westerlo’s 3-2 home defeat of Gent on Friday because of new health problems.

Ceesay is reported to be suffering from back pain. The victory lifted Westerlo to joint second with the champions Standard Liege. They both have 24 points from 12 games, just a point adrift of leaders Club Brugge.

Ebrima Sawaneh played 90 minutes in KV Kortrijk’s 1-0 away defeat to FC Dender. Kortrijk remain 13th on the 18-team league with 13 points, 2 ahead of Mustapha ‘Toubabo’ Jarju’s 14th placed Mons who held Mechelen 0-0 away on Saturday. Toubabo was rested in the 84th minute.

DENMARK

The top three teams won in Denmark at the weekend to leave things as they were after fourteen rounds of matches in the SAS League. Ousman Jallow’s Brondby laboured to a 2-1 home win over FC Nordsjælland on Saturday.

It boosted their points haul to 30. Ous Jallow went a second straight game without scoring after finding the net six times in five previous matches. Odense still lead followed by Copenhagen but Brondby are only 2 points off the pace.

ENGLAND

Edrissa Sonko was left on the bench as Tranmere Rovers were held 2-2 at home by Southend United on Saturday in England's League One (third division). And after 16 games, Rovers are 11th on the 24 team table with 24 points, 5 adrift of the playoff spots.

It was a similar story for Omar 'OJ' Koroma in the Championship (England's second division). He too saw no action as his Norwich City side were beaten 3-2 by Swansea City. Norwich are 19th in the standings.

HOLLAND

Still missing Scorpions skipper Ebou Sillah MVV Maastricht succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at SC Cambuur on Saturday.

Ebou is still nursing an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for almost one month. The weekend setback, their second consecutive loss, has seen MVV drop in the standings to 8th.

ALGERIA

Young scorpions midfielder Abdourahman Dampha and MC Saida seem to have put their campaign back on track.

In their latest game they drew 0-0 away with mid-table USM Blida on Friday. Saida have now climbed further up the ranking, moving from the relegation zone to mid table within a space of two weeks.

SWITZERLAND

The chase for promotion by Pa Modou Jagne’s second division side suffered a blow on Sunday when FC Wil lost 2-1 to FC Yverdon in the Swiss Challenge League.

After winning a very important point away at the St. Gallen last week FC Wil were expected to win in front of their home supporters and close the gap to the top. But Yverdon took advantage of a weak performance by the hosts to consolidate third place.
FC Wil drop to 6th.

CYPRUS

Former Scorpions skipper Jatto Ceesay and his first division side AEP Paphos are still without a win after nine rounds of matches in the Cypriot league.

In their latest match Paphos lost 2-1 ato 4th placed AEL Limassol. Paphos are now 11th on the 14 team league table with only 6 points and with no clear sign of Jatto playing any significant role in the team since his move from Holland earlier in the year.

ISRAEL

Defender Ken Malamin Jammeh and goalkeeper Robert Badgie both warmed the bench as they watched their Premier League side, Hakoach Maccabi Amidar Ramat Gan, lose 1-0 at home to Hapoel Petah Tikva. Ramat Gan has struggled this season winning only once in the campaign and that was in their previous game.

Robert and Ken have so far not succeeded in establishing themselves in the team.

NORWAY

With the media in Europe increasingly speculating about the future of Njogu Demba recent events at his Norwegian club could see the Gambian international staying at Brann..

Reports from Norway suggest that the former Norwegian champions, who parted company with their coach after a trophy-less season, are set to name the Dane, Troels Bech, as his replacement. Bech and Njogu have worked together before at Danish club, Esbjerg, where he is still in charge.

Njogu has been linked with a possible return to Esbjerg after a modest first season at Brann following his move from Denmark in January. The rumours were touched off when the Gambian striker was spotted at an Esbjerg match while his own Norwegian club was playing a league match at home.

But all of that seems set to change with Brann confirming at the weekend that talks have taken place in Bergen between Troels Bech and Brann’s Sporting Director Roald Bruun-Hanssen. Club officials, though, refused to give any details of the meeting.

Author: Nanama Keita

Mustapha Carayol to undergo knee scan

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:29:40 GMT

Friday, November 14, 2008

The Gambia international teenager, Mustapha Carayol, is set to undergo a scan on his right knee today (Friday) to determine the extent of the niggling injury which has kept him out of training this week, Observer Sports can reveal.

The blow means the 19-year-old Carayol will miss out on Torquay United’s Blue Square Premier away tie to the mid-table side, York City, on Saturday, November 15. Speaking to the club’s official website, Torquay United manager, Paul Buckle, said hopefully, the scan is just a precaution.

"Mustapha is flying at the moment, and it would be a bad time to lose him, manager Buckle lamented."He says his knee feels OK, and he can’t remember twisting it or getting a knock. "But there has been some swelling, and we must get it checked."

Mustapha Carayol, who is the grandchild of the Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission chairman, has had a good run of form recently, helping Torquay United to put together their current 13-game unbeaten run.

Torquay presently sit at third position in the 24-team Blue Square Premier table and a Saturday win will see them claim the summit should current leaders, Burton, fail to win their tie.

Author: Nanama Keita

Nayconf Assessment Team Ends Countrywide Tour

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:39:13 GMT

Monday, November 10, 2008

As the advent of the forth biennial National Youths Conference and Festival (NAYCONF), swiftly approaches, an evaluation team from the Department of Sports, that included the National Youth Council, recently explored the length and breath of the country to asses the state of preparedness of this years event.

Foremost among the issues discussed during the tour, with keystone partners such as the Governors and the local organising communities, was the transportation and feeding of participants from the various regions. It has now been decided, that the regions themselves will be responsible for these costs and not the National Youth Council.

The visiting team also uncovered to the press the venues expected to host events such as the conference, football, basketball, volleyball and wrestling. The intent of this is to gauge the state of preparedness of the venues to successfully host the event.

In all the regions, as expected, the local organising communities heavily vilified the national organising committee for such a determined decision taking into consideration the closeness to the event and the plight involved in rising fund at the eleventh hour. On a more serious note, some Chairman’s of certain Area Councils bitterly argued with these developments. They noted that many cumulative burdens are on the shoulders of their councils and further responsibilities will prove strange. In the same vein, in Basse, some members of the local organising committees scolded the N.O.C for what they called a break of communications during past NAYCONF.

They therefore called for a proper work plan for a successful Nayconf.

However, with all these balks, the meeting stumbled to agreement in the name of national duties.

Speaking at Farafenni, The SOS for Youths and Sports, Hon. Sheriff Gomez, elucidated that it was pleasing to see what is on the ground. Hon. Gomez said what has been manifested is commitment but yet there is still major work to be done. In line with this reality Hon. Gomez called for commitment from both stakeholders to make the event a success. The date for Nayconf is slated for 18th December 2008. At Farafenni and the theme is “invest in youths for sustainable development”.

Author: Soury Camara

Gambia National U 20 To Participate in Wafu CuP

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:50:38 GMT

Friday, November 07, 2008

Following their elimination from the 2008 CAF U 20 youth championship by the Ghana U 20 team last month, The Gambia National U 20’s will take part in 16 nation U 20 football tournament to be hosted by Nigeria from December 6th to December 24th2008. The tournament is organised by West African Football Union.

Speaking to Pointsports, the head of The Gambia national U 20 team, Lamin Sarr, said the tournament is organised to improve and develop football in West Africa.

He stated that his boys are ready for the Wafu football tournament to be hosted by Nigeria next month.

He further stated that boys will certainly perform to expectations in Nigeria next month and he called on Gambians to support the team both morally and financially.

And then he commended The Gambia Football Association for its tremendous contribution toward the development of football in The Gambia.

Author: Lamin Darboe

Gambia Under 17 Cricket Team leaves for Nigeria

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:10:31 GMT

Monday, November 03, 2008

The

Gambia

under 17 cricket team have departed the shores of The Gambia for

Nigeria

, to participate in the under 17 cricket tournament sponsored by the International Cricket Council and hosted by

Nigeria

. The tournament, which is expected to last for one week, will serve as an opportunity for the young boys to showcase their talents and learn new skills.

The President of The Gambia Cricket Association, Mr. Jonny Gomez, in a careful mood and appearing not to presume any result for his boys. He maintained that his boys have the physical strength and power of the mind and are well prepared for the Lagos competition. Mr. Gomez further adduced that the team spirit within the boys made him believe that, without doubt The Gambia team will perform as expected. Mr. Gomez therefore urged all Gambians to support and pray for the team.

For his part, the deputy permanent Youths and Sports secretary, Mr. Abdoulie Kah, was quick to caution the team especially as their behaviour and comportment outside the Gambia matters a lot as since they are representing The Gambia. Thus, he said, they are serving as ambassadors for the whole country. Mr. Gomez added that it’s a tradition for his department to see all teams are given support and cricket is not an exception to that. He in no small measure admonished the boys to desist the carefree attitude and respect their officers through which winning will be made possible. The executive secretary of the National Sports Council, Mr. Alieu Cham, expressed similar sentiments and warned that no association will leave The Gambia without the knowledge Sports Council.

Author: Soury Camara

Ports Authority Sign Bonu Johnson

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:01:23 GMT

Monday, November 03, 2008

The Gambia Port Authority Football Club has secured the signature of the former coach of the darling scorpions Mr. Bonu Johnson. Although detail documents relating to the contract have not been revealed, but reliable sources confirmed to Pointsports that Coach Johnson signed a two-year contract with the now relegated Gambia Ports Authority F.C.

Among his immediate tasks, Coach Johnson is mandated to help the team earn promotion from the Second Division to top-flight football.

It will be recalled that, Coach Bonu Johnson was the under 20 coach who took the darling Scorpions to Canada.

Author: Soury Camara

Source: Picture: Bonu Johnson

U17 Move To Camp

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:48:36 GMT

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

As part of preparation for the only hope of the Gambia in continental football tournament, the Gambia national U17 team has finally moved to camp with 25 players at the Golden Beach Hotel in Bijilo.

In and interview with Pointsports, Lamin Sambou alias LS the assistant coach of the team said “the moral is very high at the camp and the boys are ready for victory in Accra, Ghana on the week of November 2008 and the boys will certainly come with victory by the help of God”.

He said that “Gambia Football Association are trying all they can to help the team get qualify for the CAF U17 youth championship in Algeria 2009.” He then urge the general public to pray for the team so that they can achieved victory in Ghana and get qualify for the championship.

Meanwhile below is the list of players that are currently in camp.

1. Musa Camara

2. Baba Dumbuya

3. Ebou Jarju

4. Matarr Jobe

5. Lamin Samateh

6. Baboucarr Sama

7. Baboucarr Jawneh

8. Abdou Njie

9. Salifu Badjie

10. Omar Colley

11. Buba Findi Jammeh

12. Saihou Gassama

13. Muhammed Sukufara

14. Fancu Simaka

15. Dawda Secka

16. Ebou Bojang

17. Alasanna Camara

18. Jatta Baldeh

19. Cherno Njie

20. Sainey Sambou

21. Pateh Nyang

22. Dawada Ceesay

23. Kawsu Jatta

24. Mamur Saine

Baboucarr Saine

Author: Lamin Darboe

Source: Picture: Gambia U-17 Team

Gambian Fans Proud Of President Jammeh

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:52:09 GMT

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Following President Jammeh’s promise to retain the senior national team head coach, Paul Put with or without sponsors before a jubilating crowd at the July 22 Square in Banjul many fans expressed their thankfulness to President Jammeh for his concern to have sports in the Gambia developed.

President Jammeh vowed that with or without sponsors Coach Paul Put will be retained even it mean he footing the bill personally.

Speaking to Pointspoint Buba Nyang said: “This gesture of the president will motivate the coach and his team officials as well as the players to tighten their belts for the next qualifiers. This will no doubt encourage others to built interest in supporting sports in the Gambia. This is timely and appreciated by all Gambians to see our able coach with great records for our country being retain to serve and continue his good job. For real Paul Put is doing a lot in trying to transform Gambian football.

In his part, Siaka Barrow of Jeshwang said: “We have seen many situations where the president dishes out money, plots of land and making victory celebration parties for our national teams. This is no surprise for me; I was really expecting this. Paul Put is a good coach. He is great! For me he is King Paul, the great.”

Lamin Kaku Jabang the head coach of Gunjur Eleven said that the president is a man of humanity, who is always there to serve when ever the need arise. “We have been crying for a good coach but I think this is what we were looking for a good coach like Paul. We are very happy about the president’s promise to retain him”.

For a grateful Isatou Gaye we cannot thank the president enough. “We all know that the GFA alone cannot do it. We are really happy with the news that Paul Put would be retained. We don’t want to lose him; he’s changed our football totally. We owe him a lot and I believe that with the promise of the president to keep him the Gambia will be one day in the world cup”.

Author: Alieu Jabang

Source: Pictures: President Jammeh(1), Coach Paul Put(2) and Scorpions(3)

The Shape of Things to Come

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:05:53 GMT

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The presidential promise to retain Coach Paul Put represents official endorsement of the coach’s sterling performance ever since he took charge of the team. Before him, the team was notorious for its lacklustre performance. Coach Put has turned things around for the team, guiding the boys to outshine some of the big names in African football. Last Saturday’s breath-taking performance against the once majestic Teranga Lions signposts the indomitable spirit that now pervades the team.

This is not to say that Coach Put discovered the boys; he never did. But to his credit, he was able to polish the raw talents that he met and infused them with a positive mindset that brooks no defeat. This is the magic of Coach Paul Put.

So despite not taking The Gambia to the Nations Cup or the World Cup, President Jammeh has decided to get Coach Put to carry on with his job. What the President seems to say is that it is not Coach Put’s fault that The Gambia lost an opportunity to put itself on the map of African football. At least, Coach Put did something that none of his immediate predecessors ever did – he made Senegal bite the dust for the first time in over four decades. Getting the better of a forty-or-so-year adversary is worth celebrating.

We disagree with cynics who say that the Scorpions’ last Saturday gallantry was a pyrrhic victory in the sense neither them nor Senegal have qualified for the next stage of the joint qualifying series for the Nations Cup/World Cup in 2010. What we are celebrating is the breakthrough of Gambian football from being underdogs to a new beginning of an emerging superpower in African football.

That is why it is crucial that Coach Put who shares the same wavelength with the boys is kept at his job until 2012 when the team shall make its first ever appearance in the Nations Cup. We are optimistic because these boys will have matured in skills and temperament by then to be a dominant force in African football. Nigeria adopted the same approach under Clemens Westerholf, likewise Senegal under Metsu Bruno. The fruits of the labour of both Westerholf and Bruno are clear enough even for the blind to see. (Westerholf: Nations’ Cup 1994; debut World Cup appearance, etc., Bruno: 2002 Nations’ Cup Finalists; first time 2002 World Cup appearance and reaching the quarter final stage) Coach Put needs time and co-operation and goodwill to harness the world-class team that we all desire. When the results start coming out, say, in three years’ time, it will be seen as magic. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is all a matter of foresight, hard work and a spirit of oneness. So, if we have to build on this foundation, the presidential promise has to be made good as quickly as possible in order for the man to hit the ground running.

“Where there’s life, there’s hope”.

Terence

An explanation needed from Fifa and CAF

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:09:43 GMT

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Editor,

I am a Gambian, and I will like an explanation on the final chosen team for the CAN and WC qualifiers. The Gambia finished a point better than Mozambique on their group.

How could they have qualified before the Gambia? This is really confusing for me. Please, let me know how it was evaluated. We all expected a draw was enough, and now the news is that this is not the case.

Author: DO