By: Bubacarr Fallaboweh
The Gambia U17 female national handball team has left for Mali for the Zone II competition, scheduled from 19th April to 23rd April 2023. Ebrima B Jeffang, the 2nd Vice President of the association, heads the Gambia U17 delegation.
Jeffang spoke exclusively to The Alkamba Times sports desk on their aspirations before leaving for Bamako.
“The Gambia will be competing for the fourth time after finishing 3rd with the Male U17 & fourth with the Male U20. Zone II handball competition is predominately dominated by Guinea Bissau (defending champions) & Senegal,” he said.
Jeffang also disclosed that they are prepared for the Mali tournament ‘because it will take the Gambia handball to the next stage.’
“If we qualify for the semi-finals, it will open the gate for the Gambia handball association. Both senior male and female teams will qualify directly for the African Cup of Nations. We will move to another stage.”
The team in Group C, alongside Morocco and Senegal, has played four test matches, winning and losing two. They are also morally supported by both Saller and Bakary Jammeh.
“This time is different compared to previous years. Saller has given us match camping and match shoes, attires, national team jerseys, and bags, all-inclusive. The moral support he has given the girls is very high. They have even reached the peak before getting to the competition. In addition, we are thanking Bakary Jammeh, GFF’s second Vice president, who presented us with some warmers. Under the leadership of King Colley, we are grateful for this timely support,” said Ebrima.
Other sporting fraternities in the country continue to suffer as football takes the junk of three-thirds of the Ministry of Youth and Sports budget. Ebrima narrates that government support is limited.
“The subvention from the global body is what we use for this trip. When you go to the government, it’s always tough for them to fund you; they mostly only fund football.” Ebrima added
Below is the list of the Gambian delegation.
Goalkeeper
1. Kadijatou Manneh
2. Sarata Badjie
Center Back
1. Ramatoulie Sowe
2. Kumba Kandeh
3. Awa Sanneh
Left Back
1. Awa Sonko
2. Ramatoulie Faal
Right Back
1. Madeline Foon
2. Mariama Fatty
Left Wing
1. Fatoumatta Sowe
2. Sally Trawally
Right Wing
1. Ramatoulie Jarju
2. Ya Sohna Jarju
Pivot
1. Bintou Jobe
Head of Delegation
Ebrima B Jeffang
Head Coach
Samba Nyang
Assistant Head Coach
Amie Manneh
Team Physio
Dawda Danso
