Gambian starlet Kekuta Manneh, who plays for the MLS side Whitecaps FC, is part of the club’s number of game changers who have the ability to come off the bench when needed to take the team forward.
This advantage was said to be absent from the club in the past. Another player named is Darren Mattocks.
Club’s website has described Manneh as a quick and agile winger.
Kekuta joined Whitecaps FC after being selected fourth overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, the Gambian striker played for Austin Aztex of the USL PDL.
He has so far made a total of 14 appearances for the Whitecaps scoring 5 goals
At a recent game play against Chicago Fire which ended 3-1 in their favour, manneh was substituted in 62 minutes, came off the bench to breathe new life into the match.
Every time he touched the ball fans were on the edge of their seats as he ran at the Fire defence.
He scored the third goal for his side, www.whitecapsfc.com reported.
Manneh was also suspended by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for one game and fined an undisclosed amount for a reckless challenge against New England Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth in the 75th minute of their June 15 game.
Manneh received a yellow card on the play, and the Committee unanimously considered the challenge to be an unequivocal red card offence that endangered the safety of his opponent.
Manneh served his suspension on Wednesday, June 19.
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 2012:
In his first and only season with Austin Aztex, Manneh made 12 regular season appearances, starting in 10 matches and scoring seven goals. This included a four-goal performance in a 7-0 win against the Texas Dutch Lions, after which he was named PDL Player of the Week. In the 2012 USL PDL postseason, Manneh appeared in 2 matches and registered three goals.
UNITED STATES SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 2011:
In his second year in the USSDA, Manneh registered 24 goals in 23 matches for Lonestar SC U-17/18.
2010: In his debut season in the USSDA, Manneh registered 35 goals and three assists in 23 matches for Texas Rush U-15/16. As a result of his great 2010 campaign, Manneh was named to the 2010 Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team and received a one-week training stint with Premier League side Chelsea FC.
GAMBIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION 2009-10:
Manneh played his first season of professional soccer for Steve Biko FC of the GFA League First Division. In 12 matches, Manneh registered 17 goals before continuing his soccer career in North America.
INTERNATIONAL
Manneh has been a member of the Gambian U-20 men’s national team.