By: Bubacarr Fallaboweh
From the 2017/2018 season, Gambians players have won both league titles and domestic trophies, even winning European trophies. Three league titles have been secured this season, and one is pending.
Unlike Fallou Njie (Genoa), Susso Bamba (Pisa) achieved what the Abuko-born Kalifa Kujabi achieved with Frosinone.
Kujabi debuted for the Canaries against Pisa on matchday 36 of Serie B as they clinched promotion to Serie A.
After waiting for eight months, the versatile midfielder received match clearance for matchday 31. This will be Fabio Grosso’s side’s third time being in the Serie A, their first being in the 2014/2015 season.
With Frosinone Calcio’s promotion, Kalifa will keep the number of Gambian players in the Serie A to four.
The Gambian spoke to The Alkamba sports desk as Frosinone looks ahead for the Serie A campaign.
“I am over happy; I am a young player that you know is lucky to win a promotion to one of the biggest leagues in the world. I am speechless for real. I dream of proving myself and playing at the highest level, especially in the Serie A. I want to be part of the coach’s plans and will try to convince him that he can trust me to go to the next level. Let’s see what happens in the preseason. I couldn’t start with the team this season because of circumstances beyond my control. However, the team was patient with me; they kept me until now. I am happy to be part of Gambians players that have won a critical title,” He told TAT Sports.
The Italian Serie A has given debuts to Musa Barrow, Musa Juwara, Ebrima Colley, and Ebrima Darboe over the years. Can Kalifa be the fifth?
“I would like to show gratitude for the club’s patience. When I have the opportunity to play, I will give my best and show them that their patience towards me is worth it.”
Hamza Barry and Vejle BK are promoted back to the Superliga. Barry, who moved to Denmark in August, played 14 matches, starting 8.
He played four matches in the DUB Pokalen. The 28 year- old versatile midfielder has one year left on his contract, and he can be instrumental for Vejle in their return to the top flight.
An injury hampered Maudo Jarjue’s loan deal, as he played only two league matches. However, he won his first title as Slovan Bratislava won their third consecutive title in Slovakia. Slovan will host Podbrezova on Saturday for the league final-home game.
If Al Ahli beats Al Qadisiyah and Al Hazem, Modou Barrow will win his third consecutive trophy. Barrow, the former Reading FC star, has scored three goals and made five assists since joining the ROYAL in January 2023.
Al Ahli has an advantage of three points lead with 68 points gathered by Pitso Mosimane’s side.
