Ndungu
Kebbeh Basic Cycle School last Wednesday defeated Kuntaya Basic Cycle School
2-nil in a friendly match organised by Asturies for Africa Association.
The
football match, played at Ndungu Kebbeh Lower Basic School football ground, was
meant to bridge much better relationship and unity between youths in North Bank
Region.
The
match was graced by Saul Craviotto, a four-time Olympic medalist in sprint
canoer, Sid Lowe, Guardian British Newspaper sport correspondent in Spain, and
many other international guests from the Spanish NGO.
Ndungu
Kebbeh LBS was sponsored with set of jerseys and socks by Real Oviedo, while Kuntaya
LBS were sponsored with a set of jerseys and socks by Sporting Gijou.
At
the end of the game both sides were each presented with a trophy while each of
the players received a medal.
Mbye
Ceesay and Baboucarr Njie were on target for Ndungu Kebbeh LBS in the 22nd and
84th minutes respectively.
Saul
Craviotto, four-time Olympic medalists in sprint canoer described himself as
lucky coming to The Gambia, saying it was a great experience.
He
said one of the things for which he would always remember The Gambia is the
hospitality of the “wonderful people” of The Gambia.
He
also said he would encourage those who took part in the competition to visit
The Gambia again as they had had a lifetime experience in the country.
He
said the efforts of all players stood out during the game - their willingness
to make tackles, chase the ball and work hard - and it was great to watch all
of them.
Oscar
Sainz, vice president of Asturies for Africa Association, said it was great to
bring together the two teams, adding that apart from the football match the
association has projects in various villages across North Bank Region where
they dig boreholes for various communities.
The
Gambian people are very good to work with, nice and hardworking,” he said,
adding: “It is a pleasure to be able to help out.”
Abdulrahman
Bangura, Asturies for Africa Association Gambia managing director, said the
association had been doing a lot in The Gambia, adding that trying to develop
young people in school is part of their projects.
They
have also constructed health posts in Ndungu Kebbeh, Sibito in Kiang, a nursery
school in Aljamdu, as well as supported various schools and communities with
boreholes.
He
stated their efforts are geared towards improving the livelihood of communities
in The Gambia.
Sid
Lowe, the Guardian British Newspaper sports correspondent in Spain, for his
part, said both teams put up a huge amount of effort during the game.
Ousman
Kebbeh, headmaster of Ndungu Kebbeh LBS, expressed delight about the initiative
and thanked the organisers.
Both
coaches also thanked organisers of the friendly match.
