The Sports Journalists Association the Gambia (SJAG) has made a journey down memory lane to relive the golden days of Gambian football to celebrate their substance and great valour.
The SJAG went as far as to portray the profiles of Gambia’s 1985-1986 Scorpions finalists Zone II, who have remained the most endearing and much loved set of players.
The SJAG recalled the finalists of this period (1985-86) at its 6th annual awards ceremony and gala dinner held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel recognizing them through awards for their contributions to Gambian football at the time.
The awardees included Baboucarr Sowe alias Laos (father Laos or Marabeng as he was widely known back in the days he was the general). He is also the longest tenured captain of the then national team.
He started his football career as a half back for the White Phantoms Football Club in 1976 during a Nawetan game at “Bayen Half Die”. He also suited up at midfield for Barkays Football Club.
Laos rose to instant fame joining the legendary Wallidan FC where he played alongside the late Demba Ndow, Gallo Saidy and Ebou Mbye.
He later joined the national team in 1977 following the departure of Star Jallow in 1980.
Laos was appointed captain of the national team, and regarded as the master tactician, whose brilliance was displayed every Sunday at the historic Box Bar stadium.
Momodou Touray as his birth name, (also known as Dodou Saine) began his career with the White Phantoms as a midfield player under Coach Kabba Jallow.
Dodou Saine joined the young African Football Club in 1981 and partnered with the governor, Dodou Badgie or “Burr Banjul”, who became the best central defence.
He made it to the national team in 1982 and was said to be a regular for a long time as a sweeper and a fine one at that time. He later joined Hawks Football Club in 1983.