By: Babucarr Falloboweh, TAT Sports Editor
On this day in 2021, we were building up for Gambia’s maiden appearances in the Nations Cup amidst being threatened by Covid19 and having no support from the Government.
However, the Gambia reached the Quarter-finals becoming the second debutant to achieve that feat.
Where football has blossomed, other sports also made headway. Gina Bass, the new African 100m champion with an 11.06 national record, and the beach volleyball duo Sainey Jarra and Mbye remind us that Sports is just more than football. Yes, they have justified it with their rankings, medals, and announcing themselves in the world.
Photo Credit: GNOC
Gina has represented the Gambia in every significant event; the 2022 African Championship 100m Gold medalist won 100 Gold in Metz in June before defending her Baku Gold medal with 22.63 in Konya Islamic games, where she won two additional gold medals, becoming the Gambia all-time best Track and field athlete.
Gina is a flag bearer for the motherland. The Gambia has become an inspiration as Wurrie Njadoe, Ola Buwaro & Maimuna Jallow also won the 4x100m relay with a national record of 43:83.
In January 2022, Sainey and Mbye were Africa’s number one. In March, they beat South Africa to reach the Commonwealth games. Faye Njie won a silver medal for the Gambia at the Commonwealth Games in his domain Judo.
When we thought music was the only industry taking the attention of the youth and giving them employment, wrestling has proven to be a game changer. Serekunda West and the Independence stadium are always packed whenever there is combat. In addition, the wrestling community has radio and television shows running seven days a week. Apart from the great fight and upcoming wrestlers, there is a frequent exchange of combas between Senegal and the Gambia(the Senegambia combat).
Elsewhere, Fortune failed to defend their league title. This means that the Hawks were the team to beat. The late Modou Musa Njie’s team won their first league title in 25 years, whiles Wallidan beat Brikama Utd 4-2 on penalties to win their record FA Cup trophy.
Assan Ceesay remains essential for both club and country on the international front. He helped Zurich to win the title with his record goal tally of 22 before moving to Serie A to join Lecce.
Many have won titles this year, but the icing on the cake was for Lamin Jarju. He won the double for Casa Sports before signing a record deal to join Al Hilal in Khartoum.
Gina Bass was nominated as a board member of the Gambia National Olympic Committee. Hopefully, when the 27-year-old sprinter resigns with her vast experience, she will be able to guide, nature, and encourage athletes.
The Gambia is struggling massively in investing in sports, from infrastructure to sending their sportsmen and women for training or competitions abroad.
