The Gambian title has been decided with thirty-five years of dreaming becoming true for Steve Biko Football Club this week when they won their first football league title in history.
Dubbed the Giant Killers by Observer Sports in the early 90s when they sprung surprise victories over much established teams, Biko crowned the last part of the league campaign with one-nil beating of Hawks after veteran striker Assan Jatta converted a penalty that lasted to the last whistle and changed history.
Real de Banjul, who trailed them by a point, had to surrender the title even though they beat Gamtel hoping a Biko flop.
The final tally is 36 for Biko, one more than second-placed Real.
From the historic KG5 grounds to the Bakau Bantaba, the roar of fans rend the air, as columns of horn blaring cars carried the expectant travelling fans across town.
‘’This is the greatest moment in the life of this team. It has been long chased but I am delighted that we have finally laid hands on the league title. I am greatly moved,’’ said coach Lie Bojang.
Rambo Jatta, a prominent resident, recalled the day of the title decider. ‘’At first I had wanted to hang out with some guys here monitoring the game on phone or radio but when the goal was scored and the game advanced, women and young people around us sparked a big celebration that compelled me to drive straight to the KG5 grounds beyond Denton Bridge where others camped in waiting.’’
Rambo said the title means a lot to the team and the people of Bakau.
Steve Biko are perhaps the only team in the Gambian league enjoying strong feeling of belonging to a whole community.
For decades Biko remained the only outlet for Bakau footballers to access the national league.
It was the dream of every Bakau child to play for Biko the gateway to fame and possible national team appearance.
Biko triumphed on the resilience and unrivaled passion and patriotism of Bakau citizens and residents who have come to the team as a town project.
Along the way from its formation in 1978 Biko remained the only platform for football in Bakau exporting countless star players to become regulars in the national team.
Among those who wore the national jersey from Biko are the likes of Paring Jammeh, Kawsu Jammeh, Ansu Fatty and Tapha Minteh.
‘’To them and the rest of the veterans who made the dream become a reality we owe eternal gratitude,’’ said Rambo.
Meanwhile the club is staging a formal victory celebration on Saturday afternoon.