Sanchaba United were recently crowned champions of the Banjulinding football tournament after a 3-1 defeat over California FC in an interesting final played at the community football ground.
Organised by the Banjulinding Sports Committee and sponsored by the village Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju, the final of the 11-team tournament was graced by the Alkalo himself, village elders, Director of Youth and Sports Pa Suwareh Faye and a cross section of the community and the surroundings who turned up in large numbers to support their team.
Two goals from Kassy Conteh and one from Abdou Camara, all in the second half of the game, were enough for the Sanchaba boys to carry home the trophy.
As winners, Sanchaba went home with a giant trophy and cash prize of D5,000, while
Speaking to this reporter shortly after the final whistle, Alkalo Momodou Lungs Jarju, who is the first Alkalo ever to sponsor a football tournament in the village, said the tournament was meant to foster unity and understanding among people of Banjulinding.
He therefore commended the Banjulinding Sports Committee for a job well done, saying the tournament was hitch-free.
He would continue to sponsor such kinds of tournaments in his village, he said, adding: “It will go a long way in promoting and developing football at the grassroots level.”
For his part, Sambou Conteh, vice president of the Banjulinding Sports Committee, said: “I feel proud that the tournament has been played without any violence. There was total understanding in all the games.”
According to him, the tournament is also part of strategies to groom young players who can also play for the league and the national squads.
He thanked the Alkalo for sponsoring the tournament, saying the tourney had gingered the spirits of unity among the people.
