Known for his electrifying pace, dizzying array of talent punctuated by a mesmerizing skill and bags full of trickery, Biri Biri is unarguably Gambia’s greatest footballer of all time.
Having made his international debut for Scorpions at the tender age of 16 in 1963, the former Banjul Wallidan protégé would go on to revolutionize football both in The Gambia and Europe for clubs in Denmark and Spain.
Having failed to land a deal with Derby County, then in the English top flight, due to immigration issues with work permit for foreign expatriates at the time, Alhaji Momodou Njie would sign for B1901 Nykobing NF in 1972 from where he joined Spanish side Sevilla a year later.
Then in the second tier, Biri would go onto define an era with the Andalusian club. Such was his impact at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain that he still has a stand named after him at their home ground called; Biris Norte (Biris North stand). He became the first black player in the Club’s history and in 2017 received their gold badge. He joined the Spanish club in 1973 and played for five seasons, and helped them gain promotion to the top tier in the 74/75 season.
He may have died in a Dakar hospital in July 2020 aged 72 following illness, but as his beloved Los Rojiblancos said in their tribute to the ex-African superstar, legends never die; they are honored and always live in the hearts of the fans. This is indeed very true for boy from Perseverance who would later become the Deputy Mayor of the City and is still loved by not only Gambians, but non-Gambians alike.
On Sunday, 28th February, 2021, is one such day that will live in the annals of history for his iconic figure. Amidst pomp and fanfare, a royal dinner was held in his honor by the Djibonket Foundation under the leadership of Binta Goudiaby, at the Complexe Hôtelier Kabekel de Oussouye, Casamance, Senegal.
The event was organized by the United States based model and actress to honor other sports stars that have impacted positively on the history of both Senegal and The Gambia. Amongst other iconic figures awarded were Roger Mendy, the first Senegalese footballer to compete in a European cup final when he reached the UEFA Cup Winners Cup decider with AS Monaco in 1992; Amadou Diop (Boy Bandi) and Ibrahim Ba, but the night actually belonged to the ex-Gambian superstar.
Upon the invitation of the Djibonket Foundation, Biri’s younger brother Bekai Njie informed The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) of the night and the President of the GFF Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo dispatched a high-power delegation led by Third Vice President Rtd. General Langtombong Tamba to accompany the family, all at the expense of the Federation. Upon receiving the posthumous award, an emotional Bekai, who thanked Binta Goudiaby for the foresight saluted Mr. Bajo and the entire Federation for always standing beside his late brother even before his demise.
Details of the event will follow in a video documentary prepared by the Communications Department of the GFF.
