Tijan presents football materials to four schools in Banjul

The Scorpions and Brann midfield maestro Tijan Jaiteh who has established a foundation named after him, accompanied by colleagues from the Gambia Foundation in Bergen, Norway, on Friday presented football materials to schools in Banjul.

The young Gambian star whose main objective is to help and motivate youngsters in the country to excel to the highest level visited and presented football jerseys to four schools: Gambia Senior Secondary, St Augustine Senior Secondary, Crab Island Upper Basic, as well as St Augustine Junior Secondary Schools.

The former Gambia Ports Authority midfield master’s visit to these schools was marked by a heroic welcome as large number of students from all schools, especially Crab Island assembled at the school grounds to welcome the Gambian midfielder.

Tijan who has occasionally been linked with a move away from Brann following interest from Sunderland, Blackburn and Astonvilla recently, in the English Premier League, felt excited to be back to the Gambia Secondary School, where he graduated a few years ago, with something to give to the school.

He used the occasion to advise the students of the school to pay much attention to their education, while urging them to exercise patience at all times.

The committee members of Tijan Foundation and great fans of Tijan’s Brann side Samba Njie and Alagie Jorbateh from the Gambia Foundation in Bergen, Norway who presented two printing machines to the Gambia Senior Secondary and Crab Island Upper Basic Schools, respectively on behalf of the foundation revealed that it is the interest of Gambians based in Norway to do their quota towards national development.

The duo were equally appreciative of the Tijan foundation’s support in encouraging sports in the country and believe that the young Gambian has a great ambition for his country.

The Principal of the Gambia Senior Secondary School Lamin Jaiteh described the gesture as a wonderful initiative, adding that Tijan has shown everybody that he still loves his former school.

He added that "the gesture will serve as a source of inspiration for the youngsters wanting to become stars like Tijan and it will also remain in their hearts for years to come."

Jaiteh was however appreciative of the fact that the donation came at a time when the school was celebrating its 50 years of existence (Golden Jubilee).

The Principal of Crab Island Upper Basic School and the Assistant Head Boy of St Augustine’s Senior Secondary School, who both echoed similar sentiments prayed for the Gambian midfielder.