Guys,

l must say that l am really enjoying this discussion on Gambian soccer. My
daughter Aisha, who plays soccer can tell you of my countless stories about
the skills of Senegambian soccer players. The choreography, charisma, agility
and skills that these players bring to this game is amazing.l am not a
follower of sports except for Soccer in SeneGambia and the way these brothers
play made me come to love this game. There is nothing more beautiful than
watching these skilled players handle a soccer ball with such control, or set
up a goal and then have  one of them send it home from what seems like an
impossible angle. It is pure joy that makes you leap off your feet and shout
from he bottom of your lungs. l think someone who really knows the game and
the history of it in The Gambia should write a book, complete with all the
characters like "endurance " etc. It will make great reading.How about it
Ebrima Ceesay, Basil, OB Sillah  or any of you guys who seem to know so much
history of the players and the game?

PS: Didn't  Serigne  Fye and Nyanga Sallah also play for Real in the early
days?

Jabou Joh

In a message dated 12/13/99 1:44:09 PM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< So you grew up at Lancaster Street, where Real had its base. No wonder you
 like soccer. By the way, I enjoyed your last piece, and it certainly
 reminded me of some names I almost forgot. By the way, one of Alagie Nyan's
 sons came to Birmingham, some time ago, when his Norwegian team played Aston
 Villa of Birmingham in the UEFA cup.

 Yes!! you reminded me of Sereign Saihou Sarr, Sheriff Jobe, but, more
 importantly, a friend Joe Gaye of Ports. I used to call Joe Gaye "Umbre" or
 "uncle". He too was very skilful, and had over 1000 dribbling tricks. Do you
 remember Amat Joof (Tan), Rilwan Mboob(Pom) and Joe Gaye playing together in
 the midfield of Ports, when Axi Gaye/Kebba Ceesay used to coach Ports.

 Real De Banjul also had its good days and glories in Gambian football. Where
 is Gibou Nyang (Mbollay)? Let me give you some names of players who played
 for Real: Ebou Dubois, Pa Mu ndow, Commy Owens, Garba Touray, Henry Moore,
 Amadou Adams, Saihou Saar.

 Let me also give you some names of players who played for the Gambian soccer
 squad: Dalasi, Edar Kah, Charlie Boy, Lamin Owens, Bill Badgie, Pochi Sarr,
 Ayo Jobe, Malamin Badjie, Olu Rich, the late Dodou Saine, Goal keeper Saho,
 Lamin Owens, Lie Ndure, Alagie Cole, Alagie sarr, Joe Sambou, Mustapha
 Minteh, Peter Prom, Bla Sibbi, Abou Johnson. I can go on and on.

 The Reuben Ceesays (Abega), the Eliman Lemons, the Adi Fofana (Ian Rush),
 the Saul Jagnes, the Bla Taals and others were also very talented.

 Omar, with regard to your invitation to come to Norway for the "Cultural
 Week"; well, I'll try and attend it next time, by the grace of God. In fact,
 I should definitely feel at home in Norway, because  many of my first
 cousins, on my mother's side, live and settle there.

 Do you know Waraha Nyan, Batch (Don), Omar Njie, Dox Njie, Alagie Taala,
 Abdou Saar (Sara), Baboucarr Njie, Masamba (Ndara), Tuti Faal (not Jammeh's
 ex wife)? (laugh). You can therefore see for yourself that Norway is
 certainly one country I should visit.

 Ebrima Ceesay
 Birmingham, UK.

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