By Fatou B Camara
“I was just a little girl with a left foot and a big dream. Now, I help girls who were once like me, who believes that they too belong in this game.” Sainey Sissohore M’Boge
Born into a deeply religious Sarrahuleh community where culture and trandition values set clear boundaries especially for girls, Sainey grew up in an environment where wearing short or tight clothing, appearing in photos or stepping into the public spotlight was often frowned upon. But from early on, she knew she had a different calling.
Raised by loving and principled parents alongside six sisters and one brother, her foundation was built on humility, strong values and discipline. Her mother, passionate about Arabic education enrolled her in Islamic school. But it was football her heart’s true desire that eventually pushed her to transition into English school, opening up new opportunities that would shape her future.
The journey wasn’t easy. In a community where women were expected to follow traditional paths, Sainey stood out. She dared to dream and more importantly, she dared to act. Her late brother, once a national figure and a constant source of encouragement became her guiding light. His memory continues to drive her. “He believed in me when others didn’t. His support still gives me strength,” she reflects.
The world first took notice of a fierce young Gambian footballer with a commanding left foot during the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan. Sainey S. M’Boge, then known as Sainey Sissohore was the vice captain of The Gambia national team and scorer of a historic goal against France.
But behind that powerful strike the teenage girl was carrying not just a football dream, but the hopes of a nation that had long overlooked the potential of women in sports. Thirteen years later, Sainey no longer wears the jersey, yet her impact on the game has only grown louder. Her transition from celebrated player to pioneering administrator is more than a career shift instead it is a mission of healing, empowerment and legacy.
In 2015, Sainey was appointed Senior Women’s Football Coordinator at the Gambia Football Federation (GFF). What followed was a transformation of the women’s game in the country. She launched national youth leagues, trained coaches, empowered female administrators and coordinated international team activities. But her work wasn’t just administrative it was deeply personal.
“I knew what it felt like to have no boots, no training ground and no crowd. Because of this I fought hard to be able to give them courage and the necessary support they need inorder to be more hungry in the game” she said. Sainey played a central role in restructuring youth teams like the U-15, U-17 and U-20 and also championed the development of women’s football in the country. From grassroots awareness to launching a youth league, Sainey worked tirelessly to give young girls what she never had an open door and a clear path.
Among the initiatives she introduced was the FIFA Live Your Goal Project, a global program that empowers young girls through football. Through this initiative, she provided safe spaces, training opportunities and mentorship for aspiring female players across the country.
In 2019, she made history as the first woman in The Gambia to be appointed Chef de Mission, leading the national delegation to the African Beach Games in Sal, Cape Verde. She stood tall in a sea of men not as an exception but as an example.
But leadership came with resistance. Despite her dedication, she felt unsupported and mistrusted in her final months at GFF. “I felt like a threat. like my efforts weren’t valued anymore,” she admitted. Torn between her duty and her dignity, she made the painful decision to resign not as a failure but as an act of growth and courage.
That decision led her to AC Horsens, a Danish professional club, where she now serves as a Player Care Officer later in 2024. This is a role she earned through merit, following a recommendation from her husband during his own recruitment process. At Horsens, she supports international players, especially Africans to settle, adjust and feel at home in a foreign environment.
Matarr M’Boge, husband to Sainey is a passionate and accomplished football coach whose achievements speak volumes.
Born in The Gambia, raised in Saudi Arabia, he later moved to the UK for studies at Loughborough University where his coaching journey began in 2004.
After coaching stints in England, he returned home and led Real de Banjul to a league title in 2014. He joined the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) in 2015 serving in multiple roles. He served as head coach of the U-17 team from 2015 2017, U-20 2017–2022 and U-23 Head Coach 2021–2022.
Matarr guided the Gambia U-20 team to two WAFU titles in 2018 and 2020, and in 2021 he made history by leading them to a bronze medal finish at the U-20 AFCON.
In 2022, he became the first Gambian coach appointed at a U.S. professional club, Loudoun United FC, while also serving as U-19 Head Coach at MLS side DC United. By 2024, he transitioned to Europe, joining AC Horsens in Denmark as a Transition Coach.
In an industry that often values qualifications and titles over interpersonal dynamics, Matarr believes many overlook the qualities that drive culture and cohesion. Sainey he said, brings those qualities effortlessly. She creates a space where people feel seen, respected and empowered from players to coaching staff. That, he knew would make a massive impact at Horsens and it has.
He recalled the moment he recommended Sainey for the Player Care Officer role at Danish club AC Horsens
For him, it wasn’t just about filling a vacancy, it was about identifying the right person with the right qualities and in Sainey he saw something truly exceptional.
After witnessing firsthand during the Gambia U20 national team campaign how her emotional intelligence and natural leadership brought the team together in ways that often went unnoticed.
While others focused on tactics and performance, Sainey tuned into the personal struggles of players supporting them, resolving off the pitch issues and maintaining team morale. “I attribute the success we had with the Gambia U20 to her personable skills. She brought the team together, helped them through their challenges that I often didn’t even know about, and we were able to bring glory to the country. If that isn’t the definition of player care, then I don’t know what is.” Matarr asserted.
But beyond football, Matarr speaks with pride about the woman Sainey is at home. Balancing motherhood, marriage and a demanding global football career is no small task. Yet he sees the dedication she pours into both her professional and personal life every single day. For Matarr, supporting Sainey isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about walking alongside her, understanding her dreams and helping to ensure that she never has to choose between being a great mother and a great football professional.
“We share responsibilities as a team at home. I always try to create an environment where she can focus on her goals without feeling guilt or pressure. I encourage her to go after her ambitions fully, because I know the example she’s setting not just for our children but for women in sport and young girls who are watching.” He said.
Matarr said that partnership at home and beyond is one of the most powerful things they have built together.
Perhaps her most meaningful recognition came when FIFA appointed her as The Gambia’s first official Guardian a role dedicated to safeguarding athletes and ensuring ethical, inclusive environments in sport.
Today, with over a dozen professional certifications including the FIFA Safeguarding Diploma, CAF Women Instructor credentials and participation in the UEFA Women in Leadership Programme, Sainey stands at the forefront of global football conversations. Yet, her heart remains rooted in the soil of her homeland. “I want to be who I never had,” she says. Whether in her modest office at the GFF or speaking to young girls in rural schools, Sainey delivers the same powerful message: “You are enough. Your story matters. Football is not just for boys.”
“Believe in yourself, stay educated and protect your integrity. Education means nothing if it’s not used to inspire change.”Sainey’s message to girls. For Sainey, integrity is non-negotiable. “That’s why many can’t hold on to it because it’s priceless.”she asserted.
Today, Sainey a wife and a proud mother of two boys is not just a football administrator but a symbol of what is possible when faith, purpose and resilience collide. She continues to chase her dream of becoming a leading global football administrator and hopes to one day give back even more to women’s football. “What happened to those project when I left the federation “ Sainey asked. She still love to continue what she started in her mother land even though she is a mile away.
