Multitude of People from all walks of live Gambians and non Gambians on Wednesday 22nd July 2020 have paid their last respects to Gambia’s “All time best footballer” Alh Momodou Njie (Biri) at a National funeral held at the Banjul Arch.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic His Excellency Mr Adama Barrow, cabinet Ministers, top functionaries of government, Executive Committee members of the GFF and members of the football family.
Speaking earlier in a well articulated tone, GFF President Lamin Kaba BAJO described Biri as the “African Pele” for being the only person of his generation that came closest to possessing similar qualities of the Brazilian icon. Mr Bajo said the late Biri was a man among men. “He was an accomplished footballer, whose devastatating pace, trickery and ferocious shots were a joy to watch at both National team and club levels throughout his industrious career”.
He said the GFF in recognition of Biri’s decades of contribution to football and national development, has awarded him with the President’s Award as the “Most Outstanding Player of the Time” during the maiden edition of the GFF Awards and Recognition Night last January. “The Biri Biri Mini Stadium currently under construction at the GFF National Technical Training Center in Yundum will be inaugurated. Nonetheless, we accept the decision of the Almighty Allah in this regard”.
Mr Bajo recalled Biri’s distinguish career in Europe CF Seville in particular where he hoisted the club’s colors with passion and dedication. ” Biri will mostly be remembered for his exploits with Seville as one of the strongest teams in Europe during the time having won Five European Cups thanks to the solid foundation he laid for the club and his team mates”.
Also speaking to pay final respects to Biri was His Excellency Adama Barrow who conferred the Insignia of the Grand Commander of The Republic of the Gambia (GCRG) the highest National Award. He earlier on described Biri as “Great son, icon and a legend of our land” He said the late Biri has developed a high professional level leaving behind a perfect reputation in his beloved country and the world at large.
President Barrow an ardent admirer of Biri noted “as we mourn Biri, we should all be proud of him and inspired by his actions and livelihood for humanity”. He said Biri’s sacrifice for country and national development is immense both as a footballer and politician”.
Other speakers include former Coach and President of GPA Mass Axi Gai, Adama Halla Samba, President of Wallidan, Bekai Njie younger brother of the deceased and Hon Hadrammeh Sidibeh Minister of Youth and Sports.
The body was finally laid to rest at the Jeshwang cemetery.
GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo’s full speech will be uploaded in the next edition
