By: Ebrima Mbaye
Under the scorching Gambian sun, Alasana Sonko once dreamt of greener pastures far beyond the dusty football fields of his hometown, Gidda Sukuta, near Giboro. Like many of his peers, he believed in a future brighter than the constraints of rural Kombo East. What separated him from the rest, however, was an unshakable passion for football-a love so profound it propelled him to take the perilous “backway” journey to Europe. Today, he stands as a shining example of resilience, donning the jersey of Teramo 1913 FC in Italy and recently clinching gold in a Zonal U17 tournament held in memory of Giuliano De Berardinis.
In an exclusive interview with The Alkamba Times, Alasan recounts his journey, a tale of dreams deferred, unwavering focus, and eventual triumph.
“I started my football career at Greater Tomorrow Football Academy in Brikama,” Assan begins, his voice steady with conviction. “I played there since I was young, moving on to the third division and eventually helping the club qualify for the GFF second division.”
But as his football skills grew, so did his aspirations. After a brief stint with Interior Football Team, Assan felt the pull of Europe. In search of opportunities and driven by a vision to turn his childhood passion into a profession, he embarked on the perilous backway route-a journey fraught with danger, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
For Alasana, football was never just a game. “It’s my life,” he says with unflinching honesty. “I can’t point to anything or anyone who inspired me; football was just always there, a part of me. Even when it threatened to interfere with my education, I couldn’t let go. I knew this was my path.”
Upon reaching Europe, Aslasana aced a new set of challenges. Settling in a foreign land required patience and resilience. “When I arrived, I saw others working hard to send money home,” he recalls. “I had the same intention, but football required my full attention. It was difficult. Months passed without me even touching a ball. But deep down, I knew what brought me here. I held onto my belief and pushed through.”
Alasana’s perseverance paid off. After months of training and self-discipline, his talent caught the attention of Teramo 1913 FC, a Serie D team in Italy. In early 2024, he signed with the club, quickly becoming a standout player in their youth team.
Most recently, Alasana’s heroics between the posts earned him the Best Goalkeeper award in the Zonal U17 tournament-a competition that brought together some of Italy’s most promising young talents. His stellar performance also secured him a spot in the Italian National U17 Tournament, set to take place in March 2025.
“When I wake up every day, my aim is the same: to become a professional footballer,” Assan shares. “I’m grateful to Allah for the journey, to my family, especially my mum, thanks for their unwavering support, and to my coaches for shaping me into the player I am today.”
Assan’s story is a testament to the power of determination and belief. He hopes his journey inspires young footballers back home in The Gambia. “Never be discouraged,” he advises. “Work hard and follow your passion. Even when the road is difficult, your dedication will pave the way for success.”
As Alasana Sonko continues to shine in Italy, his journey from the dusty fields of Gidda Sukuta to the bright lights of European football stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that dreams, no matter how far away, are worth chasing.
