by Baboucarr Fallaboweh
Future Bi has secured an immediate return to the GFF Women’s First Division after edging Prison FC on goal difference in a dramatic title race that went down to the final day of the season.
Speaking to the Alkamba Times Sports Desk, head coach Saido O. Jeng reflected on the club’s promotion campaign, the challenges they faced, and their ambitions for next season.
“Our purpose was not just to come and stay in the Second Division,” Jeng said. “When we were relegated, five of our starting players left for different reasons. We handled the situation with maturity, believing that whenever someone leaves, another person will come in and fill the void.”
Despite the setbacks, Future Bi remained focused on securing an immediate return to the top flight.
“We believed the Second Division should not be our home. We only signed two players this season Maimuna Dukureh and Oumie Jarjusey. I never intended to stay in the division for long. Our plan was to return to the First Division at the first opportunity, and we achieved that.”
Jeng praised his youthful squad for their consistency and development throughout the campaign.
“We have one of the youngest teams in the league, and I am happy that every player showcased their ability. Everyone contributed from the first game to the last.”
He highlighted several promising young talents within the team, including final-day hat-trick hero Anna Bojang.
“Anna Bojang was previously an Under-15 player and scored a hat-trick on the final day of the season. Fatoumata Manneh is a current Gambia Under-20 international. We also have several talented 17 and 18-year-old players. Modern football demands energy and intensity, and young players can provide that.”
According to Jeng, the blend of youth and experience gives the club confidence heading into next season.
“The players are confident, and if we can keep this group together, people will hear a different story from Future Bi next season.”
One of the biggest challenges for the club was replacing their goalkeeper after their previous first-choice shot-stopper returned to Police FC.
“The biggest problem we encountered was in goal. Our goalkeeper went back to Police FC, so I had to scout a replacement through school football in Kartong. It was difficult for her at first because she had no league experience, but she developed throughout the season and finished with 11 clean sheets. Her improvement has been remarkable.”
Jeng credited the team’s mentality and preparation as key factors behind their successful campaign.
“We respected every opponent and left no stone unturned. Every match was treated as a big game because any team can stop you from achieving your objective. That was the culture we instilled in the players.”
The promotion race remained highly competitive until the final day, with several teams spending time at the top of the table.
“The league went right down to the wire. Both Armed Forces and Prison FC were top of the table at different stages because they are established teams with quality players.”
Now back in the top flight, Jeng believes his side is ready for the challenge ahead.
“The feeling is fantastic. I now believe we have the players to compete in the First Division. It will also be a challenge for our young players to test themselves against more experienced opponents.”
Interestingly, Jeng described the Second Division as a tougher competition in certain aspects.
“Second Division football can be harder because some teams sit deep and make it difficult for you to implement your game plan. First Division football is different because teams are generally more open and willing to play.”
Looking ahead, Jeng insists that Future Bi’s objective is to establish themselves in the top tier while remaining ambitious.
“We respect all the teams in the First Division. Our first aim is to establish ourselves and secure our place in the league. When opportunities come to compete for bigger objectives, we will compete.”
He also stressed the importance of setting realistic goals.
“When you enter the First Division, you must have a target. You cannot simply say you want to compete. You have to set realistic objectives and work towards them.”
Jeng reserved special praise for reigning champions TMT, whom he considers the benchmark in Gambian women’s football.
“TMT have the best team in The Gambia. They are well-motivated, and Omar is doing everything possible to take care of his players. They have set a high standard for the rest of us.”
League Performance
- Games Played: 22
- Wins: 14
- Draws: 6
- Losses: 2
- Clean Sheets: 11
- Goals Scored: 49
- Goals Conceded: 15
League Top Scorers
- Maimuna Dukureh – 14 goals
- Ausai Sanneh – 11 goals
- Sainabou Jobe – 10 goals
- Anna Bojang – 7 goals
- Fatoumatta E. Manneh – 3 goals
- Fatou Sanyang – 2 goals
- Oumie Jarju Sey – 1 goal
- Fatou Badjie – 1 goal
FF Cup Performance
- Games Played: 2
- Wins: 1
- Losses: 1
- Clean Sheets: 1
- Goals Scored: 5
- Goals Conceded: 1
