Coach Jonathan McKinstry on Thursday announced his squad for the Equatorial Guinea and Uganda international friendly games. Alagie Wally becomes the second locally based player to earn his name in the squad following Real de Banjul captain Lamin Saidy.
Gambian football league expert Hamadi Kebbeh is thrilled to see Alagie Wally in the squad. Former GFF league sensations Musa Jatta and Abdoulie Manneh and a couple of others received their maiden call-up. “These are players that I know and have watched. I appreciate their call-ups. ” Kebbeh emphasized
‘When I see Johnathan visiting clubs both in the First and Second divisions, it reminds me of his words when he was unveiled. He did, by then, mentioned he would watch our leagues, and divisional players would get the opportunity to be invited to the national team. In the game between Comoros and Gambia, we fell short of defenders. We were hoping to see one of Makaira Tambedou, Momodou Bah, and Seedy Kinteh, but it ended up not happening. It’s good to come and watch the leagues and keep up to date on the happenings in the country. “
“I personally love to see local talents in the national because it sends a signal about the good work we are doing and how competitive the league is. In such windows is a must to give talents a showcase for their potential; the possibility should be available. At least one to two players will motivate other players for them to do well. Local based players being given opportunities to prove their mettle in the national team makes me happy. I am happy for Abdoulie Manneh because, well before he left the Gambia, he was sensational; he was scoring goals for two consecutive seasons, becoming Wallidan’s top scorer and best player. He is a goal scorer; it’s not that we are amazed with his statistics right now in the Swedish Allsvenskan; even in the Gambia as an attacking midfielder, he was scoring goals. I am least surprised with his call-up. When Musa Jatta left, he clicked immediately and continued playing. It’s very good for us to see these players, especially for the fans; this is what they want to see.”
Concerning Wally, Kebbeh indicated that his is real talent who can explode the big stage.
“With Alagie Wally, he is a fine player, a good striker, and an all-rounder for that matter. He can play in the front three. He is ambitious, a fighter. He has his objectives. Last season he scored 18 league goals and single-handedly got Hawks promoted. He didn’t play in the league’s first six games; he traveled, but once he returned, he continued banging in goals. He is currently seven goals, two goal adrift of the top scorer. Hadn’t he started the league; he would have been the leading goal scorer right now with certainty. A good goal scorer. He can hold the ball up front, energetically. It’s good for him to be in the squad. I would love to see two to three players. We have amazing players playing in the league, like Bakery Jatta (BST GALAXY) Albert Gomez (Falcons FC) Abdoulie Tamba (Fortune FC), and Fakebba Jammeh (Falcons FC), who plays left back and currently has five goals and six assists. They are delivering and performing. I am satisfied that at least one is selected; it would have been a disappointment if none were selected.”
BST Galaxy apart players sale is having quite a number of players representing the national team. With both Pa Modou Sohna and Ebrima Gaye having played for the CHAN team, while Gibril Sosseh was in the previous U20. Musa Njie is currently training with the U20 for WAFU A & B. According to the technical director, he says the club is in the right direction as the first player that turned professional, Musa Jatta, is handed his first call-up.”
“If you build a project where you plan within the three years you are promoted to the first division, achieving that in the first season, you in return market 10-11s, which is a big achievement. We were expecting the news much earlier, but it came now. National team selection is about luck; normally it’s the coach who selects players that he believes fit in his system. What’s important is that every selection we have one or two players; we will continue working because that’s what’s important.”
Alagie Wally, who currently has seven league goals, says anything can happen in football as he climbs the ladder of the national team, and he is confident of making his mark.
“I am really happy. Everyone wants to see themselves at another level. I will stay humble and work hard. I have been praying to represent my country, and I am achieving it step by step. I will prove myself with an opportunity given to me.”
