Golden FC on Sunday beat Workshop Bi FC by a goal to nil to lift the first edition of the Kotu Quarry Youth and Sports Development Association Noran football competition played at the Kotu Quarry football field.
Kebba Sillah scored the only goal of the keenly-contested encounter, which attracted a large crowd of supporters from Kotu and its environs in the 12th minute of the game from a brilliant tap.
As winners, Golden FC went home with a giant trophy and a cash amount of D4,000 while Workshop Bi FC collected a consolation prize of D 2,000 as runners-up.
Jabulani FC were given the most discipline team award. The highest goal scorer award went to Kebba Sillah of Golden FC while Ismaila Sankareh was named the best player of the tournament.
Speaking to Pointsport, shortly after the game, Golden FC head coach Modou Lamin Njie said he was very delighted about the victory as it is the first trophy he has won with the team since its formation three years ago.
Winning the trophy will add a lot to the team he aims to turn into an academy, he said, adding that he wants to maintain the team and prepare it for the forthcoming Nawetan qualifiers in either Manjai or Serrekunda West.
Gass, as he is widely called, stated that even though the tournament had no sponsor, the committee did its best to make it successful, adding that all teams showed a good character during the competition.
Njie called on individuals and companies to support the committee, saying the aim of the committee is to develop sport in the area.
Muhammed Tambedou, assistant coach of Workshop Bi FC, said his side conceded an early goal but played very well.
Tam, as he is widely called, described the tournament as a very good one for the youth of Kotu, noting that it will develop grassroots football in the area and that they really welcome and appreciate the initiative taken by the new committee.
He also took time to advise the committee to look for qualified referees when organising the tournament again.
Timothy Colley, President of the committee, said the tournament was the first of its kind organised by the new committee, adding that sponsors are welcome as their aim is to develop grassroots talents in the area, select a strong community team and possibly fence the field and make it a grass pitch.
He also described the organisation of the competition and level of participation as “the best and most successful”, adding that they had some challenges along the way but were able to overcome some of them.