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.
