By Baboucarr FALLABOWEH
Pa Modou Jagne, affectionately known as “Nda,” is a Gambian football legend whose story of resilience, leadership, and commitment has captured the hearts of his nation.
Born in Banjul, the Gambia’s capital, Pa Modou’s journey to football stardom was rooted in overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of his mother, Mariam Njie, at just two years old.
Pa Modou was left to be supervised and nurtured by his grandmother. Through all of the time spent together, the bond between the two would grow so strong that many would come to view the pair as inseparable entities.
Despite this, Pa Modou’s grandmother was steadfast in her belief that her grandson would not be robbed of his childhood. Friendships with the other children in their football-loving community were not only encouraged, but demanded.
Inspired by African football icons like Biri Biri and Roger Milla, Pa Modou and his friends were always seen glued to the television set watching football, kicking imaginary balls in the living room, cheering himself as few of the thousands of imaginary supporters from the sidelines.
His talent was visible in his formative years. Little Pa Modou and his friends would gather on the grassless pitches to emulate the skills of the established footballers they watched on television. From rabona, backheels, elastico panenka, nutmegs to scooped passes. He always managed to replicate them either on the field or by playing keepy-uppy to and from school.
Pa Modou and his friends just enjoyed playing the game and were content with tips or being carried on shoulders as a reward for standout performance. That was about all the game had for them.
His formal football education began at Roman Primary School and continued at Gambia Methodist Academy, where he captained the school team and honed his leadership skills. At Saint Augustine’s Senior Secondary School, one of The Gambia’s premier academic and sporting institutions, Pa Modou solidified his role as a right-back and team captain, further demonstrating his leadership both on and off the field.
It was during one of these days that his immense talent was spotted by a football enthusiast who facilitated his move to Gambia Ports Authority. The signing would now mean that Pa Modou would have the opening to show his skills on an actual football field with a moderately improved conditions and, more importantly, a chance to break into professional football.
A pivotal moment in Pa Modou’s career came when he made the bold decision to decline a football scholarship to study in the U.S., choosing instead to proudly represent his country at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. This choice exemplified his unwavering dedication to The Gambia, a quality that would come to define his entire career.
At the tournament, The Gambia’s U-17 team—featuring talents like Tijan Jaiteh and Ousman Jallow—made history by defeating Brazil, etching their names into the annals of Gambian football folkore. Modou’s standout performances captured the attention of international scouts, ultimately leading to his first professional contract with Swiss second-division club FC Wil.
Adjusting to life away from his family in his new, unfamiliar surroundings did not come easily. While Pa Modou may have been the talk of the town in Banjul, at FC Wil, he was one of many talented prospects scratching and clawing to make the first team. Instead of cowering, Pa Modou thrived, developing his defensive majesty and tapping into a mental fortitude that he didn’t know existed.
Throughout his one-year stay with the Swiss side, the 34-year-old established a remorseless reputation in defence that earned him regular call-ups to The Gambia’s youth teams and the senior national team, the Scorpions.
With many of Europe’s top clubs now on high alert, three would step to the forefront in the race for the youngster’s signature in the summer of 2009 but it was Swiss outfit FC St. Gallen that emerged victorious.
A move to Swiss giants FC Sion in 2013 only reinforced the successful rajectory his career was taking. In his four years with FC Sion, he won the Swiss Cup in 2015 and competed in the UEFA Europa League. In 2016, he was named to the Swiss Super League Dream Team, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top defenders.
His transfer to FC Zurich in 2017 marked a significant chapter in his career, culminating in another Swiss Cup victory and increased appearances in the Europa League. Pa Modou further solidified his importance to the squad by extending his contract with FC Zurich until 2020, a testament to his enduring value and impact on the team’s ambitions.
Pa Modou’s international career with The Gambia spanned an impressive 14 years, beginning with his debut in 2008 against Guinea Conakry. Earning 42 caps, he established himself as one of the longest-serving players in the annals of Gambian football.
Renowned for his tenacious tackling and dynamic forward play as a wing-back, Pa Modou was a stalwart in The Gambia’s defensive lineup. His most significant contribution came during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where he netted a pivotal goal against Gabon, propelling the Scorpions to their first-ever AFCON qualification.
As captain, Pa Modou guided The Gambia to a historic quarter-final finish, a stunning achievement that left an indelible mark on the footballing world and cemented his legacy in Gambian sporting history.
Off the pitch, Pa Modou has made substantial contributions to his community through the Nda Mariam Jagne Family Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Ndey Mariam Jobe. Named in honour of his late mother, the foundation is devoted to enhancing maternal health in The Gambia—a cause that resonates deeply with Pa Modou. Beyond healthcare initiatives, the Foundation plays a crucial role in community development, particularly in rural areas, striving to uplift and empower those in need.
One of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives has been the construction of boreholes in rural communities, granting thousands of people access to clean drinking water for the first time.
This effort has been life-changing for villages like Kandongkou, where nearly 1,000 residents now benefit from a dependable source of clean water. Pa Modou’s unwavering commitment to enhancing living conditions in rural Gambia highlights his profound connection to his homeland and his belief that everyone has a responsibility to give back.
In addition to its focus on health and clean water, the foundation hosts annual football clinics during Pa Modou’s visits to The Gambia. These clinics unite children and young players, offering them professional training, mentorship, and valuable opportunities to hone their skills.
Pa Modou personally oversees these sessions, nurturing the next generation of Gambian footballers while instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and education. Through his dedication to young athletes, Pa Modou is not only shaping future football talent but also fostering a sense of community and national pride.
Pa Modou’s transition from player to coach has proven to be as successful as his illustrious playing career. Equipped with a UEFA B License, he has embraced various coaching roles in Switzerland, where he is dedicated to nurturing young talent. He began his coaching journey at FC Horgen, managing the Youth League team and guiding players through their formative years in football.
His coaching experience has also included positions as an assistant coach at FC Weesen and FC Dietikon, where his leadership and expertise have been invaluable in enhancing young players’ skills and performance. Reflecting the ethos of his playing career, his coaching philosophy emphasises hard work, dedication, and the holistic development of both physical and mental strength.
In recognition of his extraordinary career and contributions to African football, Pa Modou was recently appointed as a CAF Ambassador for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In this prestigious role, he will represent CAF in promoting and celebrating African football, engaging with fans, and inspiring young athletes across the continent. His appointment as a CAF Ambassador is a testament to the respect he commands, both on and off the field, not only in The Gambia but throughout Africa.
Pa Modou Jagne’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on both a sport and a community. From leading The Gambia to its historic first appearance at AFCON to transforming lives in rural areas through access to clean water and healthcare, Pa Modou’s contributions will resonate for generations to come.
His unwavering dedication to his country, both as a player and philanthropist, has established him as a national hero and a beacon of inspiration for young athletes. As he continues his journey in coaching and community development, his story will remain a source of motivation, demonstrating that true greatness is measured not just by victories on the field, but by the ability to uplift those around you.
For most footballers, winning a major trophy, especially on the national level, is a prized aspiration. Failure to do so thus is always considered a blemish on the footballer’s career. Pa Modou might have failed in this regard, having never won a major trophy with the Scorpions, but the nation surely has not allowed this missing link to devalue Pa Modou’s legacy.
‘Nda’ is an inspiration for all footballers in the country, a triumphant hero forged from adversity. It is an undeniable fact that he has etched his name in the country’s football folklore.
