As a child through to our teenage years, we constantly heard the Wollof expressions, "Am Fula", “Am Jom”, from many quarters.
The concept was a kind of aspiration that was not fully defined.
But every child knew from parents, neighbours, and relatives that “Am Fula”, “Am Fayida” and “Am Jom” simplistically ascribed/attributed to a person with great character was something of value for a great life.
A child, in our youthful days, would look twice with respect, at older siblings or neighbours referred to in these terms.
Indeed, one would want to be like that person - a role model of some sort.
One of such seminal figures is none other than Mam Sait Njie, known as Hank to most; indeed a truly refined gentleman, also well known for his good manners and his generosity.
More than that though, is his immeasurable and passionate love for soccer football.
Many a Gambian players rose through the ranks to international status and fame, thanks to Mam Sait Njie/Hank.
Being so dedicated, so passionate and a real champion of local Gambian football, Hank has been notably an instrumental figure in the growth of the “Real de Banjul” football team as his love for the game of football, even from the infancy stage of team when it was known as “Benson & Hedges” club, led him to drive relentlessly for its organization and its development, both nationally and internationally.
As one of the main driving forces, Hank was rightly chosen as the team’s first official manager.
Indeed, he became a tower of strength, nay a real go-getter in the true sense of the word.
Yes, a man of integrity, caring, kind and in spite of all odds or personal challenges, he remained an undeniably brilliant sportsman.
As such, he was a big influence on many great players such as Saihou Sarr, Ebou Joof “C api”, Sam Forster, Muntagaa Gillen, Nyanga Sallah and others.
In fact, the good attitude, respectable deportment and stellar performances of such players largely came from Hank’s tutorship, indeed his mentorship.
Indubitably, a stalwart patriot, Hank had been a towering figure in Gambian local football management as he was not merely a football admirer and an addict but, more so, a passionate advocate dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the development and promotion of various sports initiatives, singularly in football and its administration.
For Hank, football has to be a powerful tool for fostering national unity and cohesion and his unwavering belief in the potential of the sporting industry and fraternity remain uptil today, vividly palpable in all he does.
Yes, Hank has been a true nationalist and one of Gambia’s greatest sons whose contributions to the advancement of sports, in general, are truly immeasurable.
As a matter of fact, his fame as one of those who has been investing so much in youth empowerment and Gambian sports, particularly in soccer football, had endeared him to us, as well as many others, notably in our good old Banjul of the mid 60s and 70s.
In passing, Mam Sait combined so many traits that appealed to me, personally, as well as to many other “Ndongo Banjul” youngsters of our generation.
Suffice it to say that our beloved Mam Sait/Hank is also widely known and, indeed by all and sundry, as a patriotic “mumin”, a highly respected and an indefatigable member of the Pipeline Mosque committee, a renowned community worker, social and religious (astute and argute), an exemplary philanthropist (blind to tribe or creed), a gentleman “sassuman” (in his own rights) but, above all and most importantly, as a generous brother and an illustrious and a true son of the soil.
With a soft voice and infectious smiles, Mam Sait/Hank continues to radiate contentment, success, affability as well as good-natured care and benign amiability to all.
I therefore hereby salute Mam Sait/Hank, a great unsung Banjulian who has, in all his life, strived to contribute so much and so meaningfully to our Gambian society.
In fact, he is one of a few remaining members of a dying group of patriots who put in so much and upheld hard work when so many around them would rather cut corners in the crass race for social upliftment and fame.
But like all unsung heroes, the likes of Mam Sait Njie alias Hank, more often than not, only experience their moment of glory or greatest level of appreciation once their journey on earth has passed.
Perhaps, it is only upon reflection of their contributions with the finality of their passing that one now begins to feel the true weight of their loss.
I, in my own way, would therefore like to acknowledge their courage, vision and sacrifice for the advancement and the betterment of their fellow men, especially in the field of sports and singularly in football, irrespective of tribe or religious persuasion or even social background.
Indeed, their unflinching commitment, selfless service and endless compassion are an inspiration, not only for those of us, their compatriots but also, I dare say, for all humanity.
May the Almighty God continue to reward Mam Sait Njie alias Hank for his good works and deeds towards his fellow human beings, especially for Gambian footballing, with a continued long life, a continued good health, and a continued sound mind.
Happy and Prosperous New Year 2025.
God Bless.
