By: Baboucarr Fallaboweh
Kanifing Municipal Council, Councillor Kemo Bojang who also doubles as the youth adviser to the mayor and a member of the youth and sports committee believes that every community needs a Sadio Mane.
The opposition UDP youth SG was reacting after being invited for a trophy Tour in Sadio Mane’s village in Senegal called Bambali in the southern Senegalese region of Casamance.
” Sadio has become an icon and model not just because of his football but what he has been able to do for Bambali. Bambali is a hamlet, a small village and Sadio has become a blessing to the community, sedhou and Pakau as a whole.”Kemo stressed.
Bojang also touched on the humility of the Senegalese star and believes lots of Senegambian players can emulate the Teranga Lions’ leading goalscorer.
“He is also truly focused, you don’t see Sadio doing most of what other professional footballers do and I believe this has played a pivotal role in getting him where he is today. Focus, determination, and self-accountability”
In a related development, the Gambia made the last eight in Cameroon during the last AFCON but they started the Ivory Coast campaign with mixed feelings, after winning one and drawing one and Kemo urged the government to invest heavily in grassroots football.
“I wished we had won it but Senegal winning it isn’t far off. The Gambia must invest in grassroots development, make sure that academies are equipped, meaningful investments are made into facilities, and many more. It will be difficult for us to replicate when we cannot even host our home games. The Nawettan tournament hasn’t been played for the past years also but we are hopeful of what the future holds.”
The highly respected youth activist further believes that decentralization helps in Sports as it is very key.
“Evaluate the National sports policy, and national budget and give stakeholders like the regional and municipal bodies more power. I was with Sana Darboe, the regional chairman for sports in Sedhiou and I can tell you he has access and power, decentralization helps In development.”He added.
