Mustapha
Jarju is a Gambian professional footballer who currently plays for K.S.K.
Sporting Hasselt as a secondary striker.
Jarju
is often used at the left wing for Hasselt and is contracted to the Belgian
club until 30 July 2018.
Born
to parents of a humble background in the Kombo North Village of Wellingara in
The Gambia, Mustapha never found life as a footballer on a silver platter.
Like
most of the ex-Scorpions stars, notably former captain Jatto Ceesay, (arguably
the most gifted Gambian footballer ever, who had a glittering career at William
Telburg when he led the Deutch side at the UEFA champions League in 2002),
Mustapha has struggled to make an impact in a Scorpions shirt.
But
the combative midfielder’s sense of perseverance and a never-say-die attitude
earned him recognition as one of the most outstanding footballers to have ever
graced the beautiful soccer on Gambian soil.
At
the top of his form, he was a joy to watch. Indeed a special talent admired by
team mates and fans alike.
Only few Gambian professionals would shoot
themselves in the same height as the former Scorpions midfield kingpin Jarju.
The
aggressive midfielder was best known for his mastery of passes in the heart of
the midfield, goal-scoring technique, long range free kicks and amazing
dribbling skills.
The
former Steve Biko and Wallidan midfield sensation Mustapha, who goes by the
sobriquet (Toubabou/Whiteman in Mandinka), started on his road to becoming one
of the most recognizable footballers in the country when he stormed the popular
Nawetan Zones with fantastic displays at both Lamin Lodge and RB of his native
Wellingara.
His
growing reputation as a good player attracted then second division side Rising
Stars of Fajikunda, who quickly recruited him in their ranks.
Toubabou
proved too good for this relatively small club. Shortly afterwards, Wallidan
came knocking and what happened after his transfer to the blue boys football
club, (Wallidan), still remains a talking point in everyone’s lip.
His
brilliant skills earned him the captain’s armband for the famous Gambia U-17
squad during the 2003 peace football tournament, organised by former President
Yahya Jammeh. The tournament was part of events marking the July 22nd
anniversary celebrations.
Jarju
kept hold on to the captain armband and led the then baby Scorpions to the
African U-17 preliminary rounds and further aided the team to the championship
in Swaziland.
The
young versatile midfielder who can even play as a striker made unsuccessful
trials with several clubs in the United Kingdom, namely West Bromwich Albion,
Portsmouth and Southampton before he returned to The Gambia.
He
almost became a player from French first division side Auxerre but an alleged
disagreement over transfer fees meant the deal would collapse.
Jarju’s
success began after he was contracted by Bakau giant killers Steve Biko, who
later sent him to the then Belgian top tier club Lierse S.K. where he signed a
2-year contract alongside former Steve Biko and Scorpions team mate Assan Jatta
alias Bierhoff.
Like
dust to water, Toubabou went on to settle brilliantly with life at Lierse. In a
spectacular Lierse debut in 2006, Jarju netted nine goals in his first full
season at the club, although his effort was not good enough to prevent the
Belgian giants relegating to the division two of the Belgium league.
His
remarkable career also took him to R.A.E.C. Mons, Hatta club, Irtysh and major
league soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps in the United States.
The
Gambian international also captained the national U-20 side through qualifiers
but could not feature in that tournament as he was overage.
He
has earned several caps with the senior national squad and scored the country’s
only goal against a European side Luxemburg.
