Modou Sarr Touray, fondly called Katongo, from Mandinari, The Gambia, is a driven and accomplished football coach and administrator. With a deep passion for the game, he has developed an impressive track record in nurturing football talent and helping athletes reach their maximum potential. Modou’s football journey spans both playing and coaching, combined with a dedication to advancing the game at both grassroots and professional levels in The Gambia. His work extends beyond the football field, as he is also a key figure in the local sports community and a staunch advocate for youth development.
Modou’s football career began as a player for Lamin United in 2010, followed by a successful stint with Brikama United from 2011 to 2017. During his playing days, he also participated in trials in Romania in 2013, where he gained valuable international exposure. He further honed his skills with U-18 Dinamo in Bucharest, Romania, and later played for Ajax Botoroaga in Romania’s Liga 4 from 2014 to 2015. However, an unfortunate knee ligament injury during his time in Romania shifted his focus from playing to coaching. Despite this setback, he was appointed as the interim coach of Ajax Botoroaga’s junior team, leading them to improve their league standing from 7th to 3rd by the end of the season.
As a coach, Modou Sarr Touray’s experience is both extensive and diverse. He began his coaching career as a fitness trainer for Brikama United from 2017 to 2019, where he played a crucial role in designing fitness routines and conditioning programs for players. His leadership helped guide the team to a GFF Super Cup championship win. Modou’s success as a trainer and his ability to develop young talent led him to establish the Gambinos Football Academy, where he served as president and owner from 2009 to 2023. At Gambinos, he mentored young athletes, organized talent exhibitions, and ensured that players balanced their academic and sporting commitments.
In addition to his success at Brikama United, Modou played a pivotal role in helping Bombada FC gain promotion to The Gambia’s first division, solidifying his reputation as a talented coach with a strategic vision for football development. His ability to navigate challenges continued when he joined Brikama United, who were in the relegation zone at the time. Under his leadership, Brikama United not only avoided relegation but regained stability and maintained their place in the first division, showcasing Modou’s skill in turning around struggling teams and keeping them competitive at the highest level.
In 2018, Modou took on the role of head coach at Jam City United FC in Jambanjelly, a position he held briefly before stepping down to focus on a new venture—Gambinos Stars Africa. This project reflected his ongoing commitment to discovering and nurturing football talent in The Gambia. In addition to his coaching duties, Modou served as the Sporting Director of Gambinos Stars from 2019 to 2023, and later as a talent scout and sports coordinator. His expertise in spotting and developing talent has been recognized throughout the region, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader in Gambian football.
Modou’s contributions to football go beyond coaching. He currently serves as the Technical Director and Head Coach of Brikama United, while also holding the role of CEO at Kaburong Talents Academy, where he continues to scout and develop the next generation of athletes. Additionally, Modou holds the position of President of the Mandinari Sports Committee, where he was elected through votes, ending a regime that had been in place for over two decades. His leadership in this role underscores his influence in the local sports community and his dedication to advancing sports in The Gambia.
In terms of education, Modou holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Management from the International Business College in Fajara, earned between 2013 and 2015. He also completed a CAF C-License coaching certification in 2021, and underwent training in injury prevention and the Funino football concept. He continues his online studies on the Funino concept, focusing on scientific tracking methods for talent detection, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Modou’s skills are wide-ranging, including program management, leadership, football analytics, injury prevention techniques, and dynamic coaching methods. His ability to multitask and manage complex programs has been a cornerstone of his success in both coaching and administration. In addition to his football-related work, Modou has been an active volunteer with Protection4Kids since 2020 and serves as a talent scout for Hidden Talents Discovery, an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting emerging football stars.
Fluent in Romanian, Modou Sarr Touray brings a global perspective to his work. His extensive network of contacts includes football professionals from around the world, and his ability to communicate across cultures has been an asset in his international coaching and talent-scouting efforts.
In summary, Modou Sarr Touray is a passionate football leader whose career reflects his dedication to the development of both players and the game itself. From his days as a player in The Gambia and Romania to his current roles as a coach, technical director, and CEO, Modou has consistently demonstrated his commitment to fostering young talent and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed. His leadership in the Mandinari sports community, coupled with his expertise in football management and talent development, makes him a key figure in the future of Gambian football.
