Real
De Banjul FC were on Saturday 29 October 2016 held to a goalless draw by Ongor
FC of Senegal in a nail-biting encounter played at the Independence Stadium in
Bakau.
The
game was part of activities marking the 50-year celebration of the club.
Earlier
on the same day and venue, Sukuta FC beat Serrekunda FC 2-nil while Wallidan FC
lost to Guediawaye FC by the same score-line.
In
the opening game of the tournament, Real De Banjul Academy defeated Sanchaba
Sulay Jobe Academy by the same margin.
Real
De Banjul FC vice president Bakary Jammeh, speaking to reporters, thanked
everyone on behalf of the Real De Banjul family.
He
said the preparation leading to the day was difficult but they were committed
to making an impact.
They
wanted to “take Gambian football to the world and bring the world to Gambian
football”, he said, adding that they had “succeeded greatly” in doing that.
“We
are grateful to our sponsors, the government, GFF, the teams that came from
other countries and everyone,” he said.
Real
De Banjul is not only an organisation but an institution, he remarked.
He
observed that some club members have passed away but they would thank Allah
that a good number are still alive and around.
He
said they strike to be the best in whatever they do, adding that they are in
the tournament to win it; although that is not the objective of the tournament.
“The
objective is to bring teams together and learn from each other as well as build
bridges,” he said further, adding that they hope some talents would shine
during the tournament to catch the eyes of scouts to move abroad, which will be
a step ahead in “the idea of exposing our youths to top leagues to further
strengthen Gambian football”.
He
remarked that their ambition is to professionalize Real De Banjul Football Club
for it to stand shoulder to shoulder with the big clubs of Africa.
“Because
if clubs are good the national team is strong, which is why we want to make our
clubs strong,” he said.
They
would also like to collaborate with other clubs to make them strong for the
national team to be stronger and be able to stand any challenge in Africa and
the world, Mr Jammeh said.
Concluding,
he said they wanted to win the league this year and go further afield in Africa
to fight.
Ebou
Faye, chairman of the organising committee for the Real @ 50, described the
celebration as a landmark event in Gambian football, for a club to celebrate 50
years in such a fashion.
It
shows they have built a good foundation and worked hard over the years, he
added.
Real
De Banjul have produced so many quality players, he said, adding that they have
also set standards that all clubs should emulate and keep the fight for the
next generation to maintain development, good football and professionalism.
