By Aja Beyai
In the heart of the city, where the roar of the crowd mingles with the scent of freshly cut grass, there’s a name that echoes with a promise of glory, Suwaibou Camara.
He’s not just a player; he’s a force of nature, a symphony of skill and determination. From the moment he steps onto the pitch, every touch, every move, is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game. This is the story of a striker, a legend in the making, and the journey that has defined him.
Suwaibou’s love for football began in his childhood, playing barefoot with friends in his village, Basori. But it wasn’t just the game itself that captivated him; it was the dream of something more. Inspired by his former teacher, Mr. Lamin Darboe, Suwaibou’s passion for the sport only grew stronger with time, fueled by a burning desire to escape the ordinary.
The turning point came during the Kombo East District Tournament. Witnessing his village, Basori, suffer a heartbreaking defeat against Pirang ignited a fire within him. He knew then and there that he wanted to become a professional footballer. It wasn’t just a game; it was a calling. With his family’s unwavering support, Suwaibou poured every ounce of his energy into honing his skills.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Today, Suwaibou Camara stands as a star player for Makasutu FC, one of the top clubs in Brikama Sports Committee Nawettan league.
Suwaibou’s football career is a glittering tapestry woven with triumphs and accolades. His journey began with a bang, leading his village to victory by clinching the district tournament league trophy, the knockout trophy, and the coveted super cup trophy. But he didn’t stop there.
In 2018-19, Suwaibou spearheaded Kombo East to the national zonal championship trophy, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. His talent caught the eye of Brikama United last season “I was so tremendously happy about the signing, and I believe that it’s a huge chance for me to fulfil my dream. Every player wishes to play professional football and leagues and that was my target before and now even though things didn’t go as I wishes but I still have chance to make it happen with hard work and dedication”.
His loan spell at AJ Soccer Academy last season saw him play a pivotal role in the team’s promotion to the GFF second division. He scored four goals for AJ soccer.
Beyond the team accolades, Suwaibou’s individual brilliance shone through. He twice earned the title of top scorer in the Kombo East District Tournament, a testament to his goal-scoring prowess.
His trophy cabinet overflows with medals from various tournaments, including the Zonal Championship, the Gambia Junior School Tournament and U15 Academy Tournament, each a symbol of his unwavering dedication and skill.
Suwaibou’s path to success wasn’t always smooth. A challenging period at Brikama United saw him sidelined during the first round of the GFF league. Adding to his woes, he contracted m-pox disease, which kept him off the field for a month. Yet, Suwaibou’s spirit remained unbroken. He battled back with relentless determination, working tirelessly to regain his fitness and rediscover his form.
As a center forward, Suwaibou is a whirlwind of speed, trickery, and goal-scoring prowess. He prepares meticulously for each match, pushing himself with rigorous training and dedicated extra sessions.
Recognizing the importance of endurance, he incorporates daily 2-3 kilometer runs into his routine. Suwaibou’s commitment to constant improvement is evident in his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Suwaibou’s experience in the local league has been invaluable. He enjoys playing in front of his fan base and supporters and believes that it has helped him develop a strong mentality. The crowd’s reaction when he scores or misses a chance is something he cherishes, and he believes that it has prepared him for bigger stages. “it helps me be strong mentality because the crowd that always comes out during the local league matches is more than divisional matches so mentally it really helped me alot”.
Suwaibou’s ultimate goal is to play professional football in the best leagues in the world. He dreams of representing Manchester United and believes that with hard work, discipline, and sacrifice, he can achieve his goals. “My goal is to stay positive, work harder and respect everyone both on and off the field. I always like to surround myself with people who are alignment with me.” The local league has been a steppingstone for him, and he’s grateful for the experience and exposure it has given him.
