Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG) were on Sunday crowned champions of the maiden Stakeholders Football tournament following a 4-1 win over the Gambia Football Coaches Association during the final played at the Late Ousman Saho Field in Old Yundum.
Modou Saine alias Mass opened the scoring for SJAG with a 25-yard thunderbolt before team Captain Baboucarr Sey doubled the lead with his side-footed volley in the penalty area.
Paul Steven Prierra and substitute Essa Jatta capped off the goal scoring festival for the Sports Journalists in the second period. The Coaches side scored their only consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game.
“I thank the entire team of the SJAG and technical management for their role towards this success,” said the SJAG coach.
According to him, the sacrifice behind SJAG’s success during the tournament was due to team work. “The success surprised everyone who thought Sports Journalists were only good at talking behind the mic and writing.”
As winners, the SJAG were awarded a giant trophy and a cash prize of D15, 000, while the runners up, the Football Coaches Association pocketed home D10, 000.
Meanwhile, Baboucarr Sey of the SJAG won the tournament’s best players. Adama Sanneh won the best goalkeeper of the tournament and Modou Saine won the leading goal scorer award. The Football Referees Association won the most disciplined team of the tournament.
Lamin Kaba Bajo, president of the Gambia Football Association (GFF) was also given a special award for his outstanding efforts towards the development of football in the country.
The maiden tournament organized by the Gambia Football Coaches Association with support from the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) was meant to bring together the stakeholders in the beautiful game of football in the country.
Seven teams took part in the stakeholder’s tournament in the names of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, Gambia Football Coaches Association, Gambia Football Referees Association, National Fans Clubs Association, the National Sports Council, Security and Medics.