This is not a biography but just our own special way of paying a special tribute to a special person.
Indeed, a perfect role model for many and a perfect example for all.
So, tributes continue to pour in from members of our Gambian sporting community, notably our basketball fraternity which has been plunged into mourning since the passing of former Gambia Basketball Association President, Mam Essa Gaye.
Indeed, he had devoted a significant portion of his life to basketball, both locally and regionally.
He began as a player, back in the mid and late 60s before transitioning to playing for our national team and eventually coaching the national squad.
From there, he moved into administration, serving in various roles, including as President of the Gambia Basketball Federation up to 2009.
In passing, the mesmerising skills of the US-trained players of the late 60s such as Mam Essa Gaye, Ousman Sabally, Sol Jarra, Sony Joiner, Bai Malleh Wadda et al made them not only the centre of attraction but the cynosure of all eyes.
Above all, Mam Essa had always been highly respected and well loved by his colleagues, close friends and everyone who had been closely associated with him, in one way or the other as he had continued to give generously of himself.
Indeed, always professional but warm, with an engaging spirit, Mam Essa had been someone who really inspired.
In so being, we had always admired his strength and outlook on life.
Yes, we will continue to miss a professional of the highest order, a brilliant player, an excellent coach and administrator who had been able and had continued to serve his country well and in whatever capacity.
Yes, he had been the good example of a good person in God as he had embodied all that had been good in us as Gambians.
Lastly, time can therefore never fade the memories that we had created and still cherish about our beloved Mam Essa Gaye who indeed had been a true friend of all the world, a person’s person, nay our people’s hero.
Yes, he was a calm, friendly, jovial, kind, decent and God-fearing human soul.
In short, he had thus touched our own life and that of so many others truly, abundantly and significantly.
We will therefore never ever forget his most invaluable, most meaningful impact.
RIP (Rest In Peace), Mam Essa Gaye.
