A sensational first-half strike by fan favorite Yusupha Njie gave Bintang Bolong all the vital points that gave rise to their celebrating of their first nawetaan title at the expense of Kebba Jirang in the just-concluded summer championship in Kiang Jiffarong, LRR, at the weekend.
The four-team tournament that has produced some exciting moments of football in Kiang Jiffarong saw Bintang Bolong, the champions, walk away with a giant trophy with an undisclosed amount, while the runners up, Kebba Jirang, also collected an undisclosed consolation prize.
The annual nawetaan championship, organised by the Jiffarong Youth and Sports Committee, is aimed at strengthening the already existing cordial relationship among the youth of the village.
Bintang Bolong progressed to the final after beating One Heart 2-1 courtesy of goals from Pa Barjo and playmaker Yusupha Njie, who is no doubt the hottest property in Jiffarong FC in recent times, while Lamin Barrow netted One Hearts' only goal which proved to be a mere consolation.
The final followed another spectacular encounter in the semi-final between Kebba Jirang and the Blue Boys Chelsea but it was Kebba Jirang that emerged winners with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw in the regulation period at the Jiffarong football field recently, before a cheering crowd.
The chairman of Jiffarong Sports Committee, Fakebba Njie, who was one time a key member of Jiffarong village team, told this reporter that the ultimate objective for organising the summer championship annually is to strengthen the tied relationship among the youth of the village given the fact that football is an endeavour that every Gambian is enthusiastic about.
Njie was however quick to appeal to parastatals and other well-wishers to help the youth of Jiffarong village in their bid to overcome challenges such as lack of proper and quality football materials, for example, football jerseys, football, and boots.
