It is not a surprise to hear about such a wonderful initiative from the man who has done so much for Gambian football, despite his short spelt as a professional footballer with only three years in the Norwegian top flight football Brann FC since his arrival in the country, 3 weeks ago.
Despite enduring a lot of challenges before leaving the country for Brann to sign a professional contract with the Norwegian outfit, three years ago, Tijan is such a 'clear hearted' individual as manifested by the number of presentations he made since his arrival in the country.
According to him, this is the primary objective of his foundation which was established earlier last year with the ultimate objective of helping children and the needy.
"The primary objective of establishing this foundation is meant to contribute or do my quota towards the development of sports in the country and I believe the only way to do that is to help promote and develop the game I admired so much," the former Gambia Ports Authority midfield maestro told reporters during his presentation of football materials to four different schools in Banjul, a fortnight ago. The beneficiary schools included Crab Island Upper Basic School, Pa Joof Upper Basic School, St Augustine Senior Secondary School and the Gambia Senior Secondary School in Banjul.
The young Gambian and Brann midfield kingpin who is currently in Tunisia, together with his Gambian compatriots preparing for their second friendly game against Tunisia later today has no doubt immensely contributed to the promotion and development of sports in the country.
The five teams in the country's top flight football yesterday benefited from 18 track-shoots which were presented to Steve Biko FC, Wallidan FC, Real De Banjul, Hawks and Gamtel, on behalf of Tijan by Samba Njie, one of the members of Tijan Foundation, at his residence in Kanifing.
The donated items were on behalf of Steve Biko Football Club, received by the former Gambian international striker, Assan Jatta, whose face was beamed with joy. This was shortly after the track-shoots were handed to him by Samba Njie and Babucarr Jorbateh.
Samba Njie who described Tijan Jaiteh as discipline, hardworking, and traditionally-orientated said "the gesture is part of the foundation's supports and efforts to help the country's football, in a bid to catch up with other leading nations in the world."
The 55-year-old Gambian-based in Bergen, Norway further rubbished speculations that Tijan may quit Brann for Sunderland, Blackburn, or Aston villa.
"Anything can happen in football but Tijan is under Brann's contract until 2012 and he has a bright future ahead of him because Brann's plan for upcoming season is based on players of his quality," Samba Njie told Pointsport in this interview.
Next for Tijan's foundation, Samba revealed is to renovate Banjul Youth Centre which is in deplorable condition.
The 20-year-old former Gambia U-17 and 20 player, who is highly rated as one of the country's best emerging talents recently donated a high standard refrigerator and other medical equipment to the physiotherapist of the Gambia Football Association, on behalf of the FA.
