Omar Johm: The in form player leading Gambia Ports Authority to the topflight

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Omar is undoubtedly the current best player in the second division. The talented midfielder is leading the Gambia Ports Authority’s hope of playing elite football next season.

He has been the turning point ever since he found his feet this season for the ferry boys, scoring pivotal goals and providing match-winning assists for his team.

His tactical ability to play on both wings and more especially, as an attacking midfielder, suits the team dynamics, providing them with acute depth and flair, serving as the puzzle to help move his team to click.

Currently, with 9 goals and still counting, Omar has been the conductor of the orchestra for the ferry boys for the past 18 months. A brilliant lad with an impeccable character, Omar is the type of player every coach wishes to have in his team.

Already on the radar of many clubs within and outside the country, the future looks extremely bright for the London-born skipper.

Omar’s technical attributes are unique because he is skillful, can protect the ball, and has quick feet. He has the speed; he is very mobile, and he can play multiple roles, playing as 9, 10, and operating on both flanks. He has good awareness and can play with both feet. Omar is also good holding the ball up.

Are you surprised with your brilliant performance, or is it something you are used to?

“I had the same performance last year. It’s just like a continuation from last season. I am trying to aim higher and do more than what I did. I have worked hard to reach this peak.

Omar Johm v Serekunda fc, 9 goals , 6 assists so far

What’s your ambition this season. The second round is mostly hard; teams and players tend to know how you play. Should fans be worried?

“The target is to win the league since the preseason. To have better performance than last season because, as a player, I think you should always progress and make better numbers than last season.

It’s usually a final in the second round, very hard. I intend to give everything for the team for us to maintain the standard that we are and win the league. Teamwork is the key.

Nine goals already; golden boot for this season?
“I am here to help the team win. The goals have boosted me a lot for the second round. Targeting another 9 goals minimum; that will be fantastic. It will be a progress for me.

Your performances made it easier to be selected for the CHAN team. What’s the feeling like to represent your country?

“It’s the best feeling to represent your country. We will prepare more. I am very happy; you have to always be ready as a player. It’s a privilege I am hoping for more and more until I represent the senior squad.

What did they say about Omar Johm?

“I have worked with Omar for three seasons. He is a fine player, very disciplined. Last season, we built the team around him and showed him that he could help the team a lot to achieve its objectives and the level we want to reach. He understood the task, and the players understood our decision. He ended up being the runner-up in the Golden Boot race. He was very instrumental up to the playoff; there were even times that he was sick, but we did include him in the squad, and we ended up scoring lots of goals. Good character on and off the pitch. He always asks what his responsibilities are, and once we rally the message, he fulfills it on match days. Beyond that, if we want him to support us tactically, he always does it for the team. This season, he had many offers, but we remained steadfast on our plan once again, building the team around him, and he ended up staying. He is scoring our goals and providing assists. He is the star player of the team. The players are happy to see him around, and everybody is supporting him. With my experience of over 15 years coaching, Omar’s character stands out in players that have passed through my hands, and he respects that he does. Omar wants to be a professional. Therefore, we are supporting, preparing, and advising him so that he can capitalize on becoming a professional player. He is at his peak. He is very involved in games and proving himself. “Baboucarr Coker, Gambia Ports Authority head coach, Dec/Jan & Jan/February coach of the month emphasized

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO_NLVyOxyU

“I have watched Omar over the years, even before playing divisional football. A couple of seasons ago, and this season, he is the best player. Both in the first and second divisions. Right now, only Nfansu Dibba (Hart FC) can compete with him. He is a wing player who scores goals and creates opportunities. He is one of the most creative wingers that we have in the country. We don’t have many creative wingers; however, he stands tall ahead of them. The CHAN team missed him in the doubleheader against Gabon. He was delivering in the training, scoring goals, but got injured before the first leg. It affected the CHAN team a lot offensively; we ended up not having enough depth.” Hamadi Kebbeh, Space TV, Gambian football expert.

“Omar is a star. His discipline stands out for me. He is a good player, scores goals at any given time, and has speed. He can dribble and protect the ball. He is always going forward. The football is in his hand.” Saikou Barrow, former Gunjur Utd captain, TMT & CHAN team defender also indicated

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Baboucarr Fallaboweh
Baboucarr Fallaboweh Sports Editor (Buba Jallow Fallaboweh) is a Gambian football expert, football analyst & columnist. The Stockholm-based Journalist is a media officer, football Scout, PR, Influencer and Digital creator. I started my journalism career as a football analyst in 2012 with Vibes FM and went on to work with CityLimit, West Coast, Hot FM, Freedom Radio, Eye Africa and Afri Radio as a content producer and presenter. In 2013, I attended Football Daily on the BBC SPORTS where we discussed the different styles of Football played in Africa. I Went on to freelance for The Point Newspaper, Freedom Newspaper, Daily Observer and Standard Newspaper before being appointed as Sports Editor with the Alkamba Times in March 2022.  I have worked for Magazines like Glo Magazine and Foot54 covering Gambian football and African Football.   Between 2020 -2021 I worked as a scout for the Gambia Football Federation, scouting talents for the U17 &U20.  From 2017 to 2021, I served as Media officer for GFF First division teams Team Rhino and Marimoo and also as media Officer of Banjul FC, fourth Division tier in Sweden and Darboe’s FC (Female second division club in the Gambia). I served as a PR for Superstars Academy.   With Afrencon, I was a data analyst before I joined LightHouse as a head scout for the Gambia project. In organizational structures, I served as the ambassador of the John Bass Kidney Foundation and one of the founders of the foundation creating kidney awareness in the Gambia.   I also served two positions in the Gambian organization in Sweden, as Sports chairman and the secretary of the associations.   After 12 years of being a football journalist, I was named 3rd best sports column writer in Africa year 2021 by the reputable sports media organization AIPS. I finished in the top 35 in the world with my article titled Back way: Gambian footballers in deadly Voyage to Europe.   With over 500 articles and interviews, analysis, profiling, features and news, I was shortlisted for the Gambia Press Union National Journalist Award 2022. I submitted the article which was co-written alongside Momodou Bah From Living Through Despair to Being An Agent Of Hope, The Inspiring Story Of John Bass.   I have served as an advisers to Football academies, clubs, and players and others. I have hosted dozens of shows and was invited as a guest on both radio, TV and the online press. I also covered the Gambia's maiden AFCON debut in 2021 in Cameroon.  

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