By: Foday Manneh
Gambian Professional player Babucarr Steve Trawally has completed the purchase of Dibba Oil Academy FC, a Gambian football league second-tier club, for a staggering D1.6 million.
The President of Dibba Oil Academy, Lamin Dibba, confirmed the development to Alkamba Times Sports. He said a D1.6 million deal has been agreed upon, signed, and completed with Gambian professional footballer, Bubacarr Steve Trawally to take over the club.
“We sold the team to Bubacarr Steve Trawally for a fee of D1.6 million. We have agreed, signed all the documents, and completed them. Steve is now the owner of Dibba Oil.” Dibba told TAT.
The new owner, Bubacarr Steve Trawally, confirmed the club’s purchase and said a new Executive and Management will be set up in due course for the club’s running.
The Hammarby IF forward thanked Lamin Dibba for his cooperation and willingness to transfer the club’s ownership to him.
“Everyone in the family was supportive, so they told me to sell the team to avoid causing health complications to some of us, like heart attacks,” Lamin told TAT.
Dibba Oil Academy is a football club in Jarra Karantaba, Lower River Region of The Gambia. The club competes in GFF National League Two, the second-tier Gambian football league system.
The club was founded as an academy in 2017 and played in LRR’s third division league before winning that title for the first time in 2021 to deliver them the hope of playing in the national league of The Gambia.
In August 2021, Dibba Oil became one of the three clubs from the provincial Gambia to qualify for the GFF Second division league through playoffs, bringing their dreams to reality.
“We played first division side Real de Banjul during the 2019 preseasons, and the game ended 3-3. This boosted the confidence of the boys and the management that we can play at the highest level of Gambian football.” Club’s former owner said.
At the recently concluded 2021/22 league campaign, Dibba Oil finished third in the GFF National League Two to book another playoff spot with the hope of promotion to the top tier of Gambian football.
However, that dream was cut short in the playoffs a month ago by well-experienced Gamtel FC. They were also seeking the most needed maintenance in the GFF National Division One.
