#Sports

Spotlight: Meet Medina united combative center back

Sep 24, 2024, 11:25 AM | Article By: Abie Nyassi

Landing Jatta commonly known as Kabila or Dog Father, hails from Kunkujang Jattaya and has been passionate about football since at the age of five. 

His love for the game began early and at the age of seven, he joined his first football academy in Mandinary.

His talent was evident before moving to Brikama where he joined Rising Star United.

After honing his skills in Brikama, Landing returned to his home village to join Jattaya United where he continued his footballing journey. His talent caught the attention of bigger clubs and he made the leap to Medical FC, a second-division team. 

However, his journey didn’t stop there. Currently, Landing plays for Medina United, a GFF second division club where he continues to improve and make a name for himself.

Inspired by his fellow villagers, Landing looks up to Ellaissa Sanyang and at an international level, he admires James Gomez and Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold for their style of play.

“I like the way Alexander plays football, and I look up to James Gomez. They motivate me to keep pushing,” said Jatta.

For now, Landing is content playing for Medina United. “I don’t want to move to any club in The Gambia right now, unless it’s outside the country. I’m happy at Medina,” he said. 

His immediate focus is to work hard at the training ground and help his team secure promotion to the first division. He has already made a significant impact, recording one goal and seven assists last season.

“Football is the game I love the most, and I believe it’s also a path to a good life,” he said.

Lanidng’s passion and determination have fueled his ambition to one day play at the highest levels of the game.

One of his major goals is to represent The Gambia’s U-20 team, a dream that narrowly eluded him last season. 

“I was called up to the U-20, but I couldn’t make it. This year, I’m coming with a different mindset, by the grace of God,” Landing shares confidently. 

His belief in destiny is strong and he is certain that when the time comes, he will make his mark on the national team. 

“I believe that there is a time for everything, and when my time comes, I will give my very best for the country.”

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Landing notes that the quality of pitches in some parts of The Gambia makes it difficult for players to stay injury-free. 

“Some pitches are very bad, and it’s easy to get injured there. Last season, four of our players got injured playing in Banjul.”

Despite the challenges, Landing remains optimistic and focused. His dedication combined with his ambition to play at a higher level, ensures that he is a player to watch in Gambian football.