The Gambia Dutch Lions earned their ticket to the Baluwo GFF Division One in their first year of asking.
The Busumbala-based team finished third and occupied one of the playoff spots. They defeated Elite Utd 2-1 and reversed the same score line on Wednesday when they beat Gambia Ports Authority Courtsey of Ebrima Diallo and Malang Fofana goals, with the latter scoring a stunning freekick in the added four minutes.
Omar Cham, spent five years with the Abuko Female team prior to his appointment with the Dutch Lions.
The Gambia Dutch Lions finished the season strong, among the top three with the highest number of wins (16), before unrivalingly becoming the best team with the best defence and clean sheet by conceding only 17 goals in 34 matches.
” I failed to have the right words to describe the incredible feelings after the final whistle. I was highly optimistic about going to the playoffs. The keyword I used in the team talk was for the players to be brave throughout the course of the game. We brought Malang late in the game because I feel he can decide games with his accuracy. It was a tough game, but both teams were well prepared. I am motivated and ready for the challenge ahead. I will learn more and develop myself. Right now we will relax, get our energy back, this club is an ambitious club, and we will strategize. It’s more about enjoying the promotion.” He stressed
Were there any early indicators that the Gambia Dutch Lions will be promoted so fast?
After 8 months and 25 days, Omar Cham delivered the ultimate target while attending elite sports.
“It is always about results, even when you are not tasked with being promoted. Ports were hunted by former candidate Omar Cham, while Coach Ebou Jarra went for the vacant managerial post of the GPA. The sentiment was that they were afraid that he wouldn’t do well, hence he was coaching a female team. I told them I would promote the team if you appointed me.”
Omar Cham used the Abuko platform to establish his coaching philosophy, methodology, mentality, and approach. During his six-month course in Germany at Leipizg, he did sports science, performance training, and astronomy training. Cham was exposed to Leipzig’s training sessions, working with the U19 team and the female team.
“When I was appointed, it wasn’t one of the objectives of the club that I had to take the team to the First Division, according to the management. I wasn’t just focusing on a good finish because it’s a new club, and irrespective of the position, there could have been some noise. That’s why I enjoy a good finish, and now that we have been promoted, that’s just incredible.” Cham mentioned
“I was taking it game by game; clearly, I knew there would be a massive difference in this Gambia Dutch Lion team because of my understanding of this game. Everyone was surprised except myself because I believe in results. The Gambia Dutch Lions have a very big project, and I am happy to be part of it. The exciting part is the development of young, talented players; Haruna Touray is one of them currently being called in the U20 setup.”
The rise of the Gambia Dutch Lions is a blueprint and early trajector shown by BST Galaxy, Medina FC, Serekunda FC, Gambinos Academy, and Unique Global FC. With well-structured organisation, investment, and direction, what a club can achieve is limitless.
Coach Omar beat Real de Banjul in Basori 3-1, beat BST twice, with one of them being 3-0, and beat Brikama in Boxba. That speaks volumes, and it will be exciting to see how the Gambia Dutch Lions and Harts fare in their first season.
