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Wins for Fajara South, United in late Alh. Kebba Manneh memorial tourney

Jun 30, 2017, 2:33 PM | Article By: Cherno Omar Bobb

Fajara South and United on Wednesday secured wins on the opening day of the late Alh Kebba Manneh memorial tournament sponsored by MM Trading, Sand Beach Holiday Resort Hotel and Galaxy Entertainment Park.

Fajara South beat BK City by a lone goal in the 5pm kick off encounter played at the Cocktail Football Field while Fajara United beat South Atlantic 4-3 on post-match penalty shootouts following a goalless draw on regulation time in the earlier kick off on the same day.

The opening of the tournament was graced by high profile dignitaries such as the president of Real De Banjul football club, KMC Mayor’s representative, President Bakau Sports Committee, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Sports, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure, Dodou ‘Capi’ Joof’s representative, National Sports Council officials, Gambia National Olympic Committee officials, first and second division coaches, deputy Imam Bakau, community elders, youth among other high profile dignitaries and sports lovers. 

Meanwhile, no first, second division or national team players are allowed to take part in the tournament.

The winner of the tournament is expected to go home with a giant trophy, cash amount of D15, 000 and 26 gold medals.

The runners-up will collect D10, 000 and 25 silver medals.

All participating 16 teams were each given a cash amount of D1, 000 for preparation as transport fairs.

There will also be awards for the leading goal scorer, best player, best goalkeeper and most discipline team of the tournament.

Sir Farimang Manneh, Public Relation Officer for the organising committee who is also a son to the late Alh. Kebba Manneh, said the tournament was organised to empower youth, adding that they need to work for the development of the country. 

Youth, Mr Manneh added, are the future leaders and need to be guided and assisted to shape the future for all of them.

The late Alh. Kebba Manneh was passionate about youth, he said of his late father, noting that this was why they name the tournament after him.

He pointed out that there are thousands of youth returning from Europe without hope, noting that they are trying to prepare comfort for them as well as give them hope when they return.

Mr Manneh said the future of the tournament was great as they plan to continue it forever.

He called on everybody to support youth. He also thanked everyone that graced the opening of the tournament as well as organisers.

Kebba Nyaw Ceesay, Chairman organising committee said the opening of the tournament was successful beyond expectation, adding that players also showed discipline.

He thanked sponsors and everyone who supported them as well as those that graced the opening.

He described the late Alh. Kebba Manneh as was a friend to both young and old who took anyone as his own child.

He went on to thank the community for ensure all necessary preparation for the commencement of the game were put in place.