Juffureh
United on Sunday 13 August 2017 beat Toubakolong Bantaba by 2 goals to zero in
the opening game of the Njundu Sonko-sponsored Toubakolong Youth and Sports
Development Association organised nawetan competition.
The
12-village tournament is sponsored by the Toubakolong native based in Holland
to the tune of D25,000 with a giant trophy.
The
opening of the tournament was graced by former Governor of North Bank Region
Lamin Queen Jammeh, Essau Sports Committee Chairman and members of his
executive, North Bank Regional Sports Committee Chairman, National Assembly
Member for Upper Niumi Constituency, Toubakolong Imam, Alkalo, Council of
Elders, surrounding villages, the youth among other sports lovers.
Goals
from Mbemba Fatty and Ba Kuta Njie in the 26th and 54th minutes were all but
enough to earn Juffureh United their first 3 points of the tournament.
A
3-day coaching and referees clinic was conducted by regional coach Baboucarr
Boris Demba prior to the commencement of the tournament (from Friday 11 to 13
August 2017).
Participants
were certified after the clinic.
Speaking
to reporters shortly after the game played at Toubakolong football ground in
Upper Niumi District, North Bank Region, Kemo Ceesay, chairman of Toubakolong
Youths and Sports Development Association, said they were impressed with the
turnout, adding that the performance of both teams was also impressive.
He
commended dignitaries for honouring their invitation within short notice,
saying they foresee a successful tournament.
He
pointed out that elders of the village have always shown interest in the youth
and youth development, for which he thanked them.
Football
organization is not easy, especially looking at the scope of their committee,
as they are focusing on all aspects of sport and not only football, said Mr
Ceesay, who is fortunate to have served in various sports committees and held
various positions.
He
revealed that they also plan to stage a wresting competition.
Concluding
he urged teams and communities to be patient with the committee as “organizing
competitions is not easy”. He thanked the sponsor of the competition.
Hon.
Omar Darboe, National Assembly Member for Upper Niumi Constituency, also
expressed satisfaction for what he saw, saying the tournament is one way of
bringing youth together to promote unity.
Hon.
Darboe stated that they aim to involve the youth in all aspects of development,
adding that it is part of his aims, before the end of his term, to build at
least 4 good footballing grounds within the constituency; build infrastructure
where the sports committee can generate income for their activities and not to
rely on people yearly for their competition; support them with materials as
well as build a formidable district team in collaboration with the Upper Niumi
District Sports Committee and the regional sports committee.
