Mbollet-Ba
FC defeated Lamin Manneh FC of Fass Njaga Choi 5-4 in apost-match penalty
shootout on Saturday 20th May 2017.The result followed a goalless draw in
regulation time and seesMbollet-Ba FCretain the Alagie Mbye sponsored trophy.
The
well-contested and attended final of the tournament, organised by Ndofan Sports
Committee, was played at the Biri Biri Mini Stadium in Ndofan village, Lower
Niumi District, North Bank Region.
As
winners, Mbollet-Ba FC went home with a giant trophy and a cash prize of D8,
000 while runners-up Lamin Manneh FC pocketed D6, 000.
In
the earlier kick-off on the same
day,Jamma FC of Essau beat Democracy FC of Ndofan by the same score line after
a 1-all draw in regulation time in the junior category final.
As
champions,Jamma FC collected a cash amount of D3,000 and a trophy while
Democracy FC received a consolation prize of D2,000.
The
Ndofan Sports Committee also presented a certificate of appreciation to the
sponsor, Alagie Mbye.
Speaking
to reporters shortly after the game, Alagie Senghore, Mbollet-Ba FC head coach,
said they were well prepared for the final as defending champions. He added
that his strikers lacked confidence during the game which resulted in them not
finding the back of the net during the 90 minute period.
Senghore
observed that, people were nervous heading into the penalty shootout but
fortunately the players did what was expected on them.
“Mbollet-Ba
is a village of champions”, he stated, saying, they are ready to lift the
trophy when the tournament is organised again.
He
concluded by congratulating and thanking both his players and fans for a job
well done.
Alieu
Bobb, Lamin Manneh FC head coach,said his side played well but were unfortunate
to finish as runners-up.
He
congratulated Mbollet-Ba FC, adding that, they were pleased the tournament was
successfully organised.
He
concluded by thanking his fans for always being behind the team.
Alagie
Mbye, the sponsor of the tournament,said he was proud and delighted that the
trophy was named after him for the third year running.
He
added that, he was happy being associated with the youth who are our future
leaders.
Mr
Mbye advised youth to be more proactive as well as learn skills and desist from
the ‘back-way’ to Europe which is very dangerous.
He
pointed out that Barrow’s government has created an enabling environment with a
lot of packages for youth empowerment.He therefore urged the youth to grab the
opportunity to reap the benefits of the new government.
He
also called on the committee to keep up the momentum, saying he was very happy
with the way he saw the elders and youth organising themselves as well as the
unity among them which motivates him to continue supporting them.
He
further appealed to stakeholders for support in fencing the mini stadium, named
after Gambian legend Alhagie Momodou Njie; widely known as Biri Biri, so that
the sponsorship can be shifted to the collection of gate tickets.
He
concluded by thanking all those that supported him in making the day a reality,
particularly his commissioner general, his colleagues at customs and Alagie
Conteh.
Jabang
Bobb, Ndofan Sports Committee Chairman,said they were pleased the tournament
was successful while thanking the sponsor and everyone who made the tournament
a success.
“The
aim of the tournament is to create unity and understanding among the youth of
the district,” he added, saying, this was the 23rd yearof the tournament which
continues to grow annually.
Mr
Bobb also called for the support of the mini stadium to ensure those coming to
watch games are protectedand ensure that thecommittee also gains something on
gate tickets to avoid appealing for sponsorship yearly.
He
urged the youth to be disciplined at all times, saying football came to unify
us and not destroy the already existing unity among us.
Kebba
Sarr, Secretary General Ndofan Sports Committee, also joined others in
appealing for support in fencing the mini stadium, saying Ndofan are the first
community to name a field after the Gambian legend Alhagie Momodou Njie “Biri
Biri”.
He
thanked Biri Biri, Musa Njie, Ebou Joof and all the other football legends for
their support over the years, saying, it was because of Musa Njie the village
was the first in the district to have standard goalposts and nets 20 years ago.
