Talk of the likes of Omar Sey and Fisco Conateh, even a child as old as 10 years may probably know a thing or two about them. However, few may remember Ousainou Njie, maybe because it’s nearly two decades since he joined his ancestors or perhaps his generation didn’t coincide with the recent trend of the proliferation of both conventional and citizen journalism, or possibly the both of them.
The late Alhaji Ousainou Njie founded Hawks Football Club and haven’t done any less a contribution to the development of Gambian sports, football in particular, than the aforesaid duo. He is described as the chief financial of every sports that was practiced in this country during his time. An unreplaceable legend, who used his resources to support football, finance clubs, National Teams of all sports, and giving employment to athletes.
“I can safely say if Gambia advanced in sports not only in football, he was one of the architects because he contributed his time and resources and he made sure that opportunities were created for sportsmen in every discipline particularly for football. When he was the Managing Director of The Gambia Commercial and Development Bank, that was the first time there was sponsorship for all the first and second division teams, the National Team,” James Gomez, the Minister of Fisheries and President of Hawks Football Club told www.gambiaff.org about his friend.
Former Deputy Director of Youth & Sports Cherno ‘Barra ‘Touray said Mr. Njie did not only contribute to the development of clubs but also created employment for the youths at the time as a way of encouraging them to play football and at the same time have a source of income.
Regarded as Gambia’s greatest footballer of all-time, Biri Biri remembered an encounter with the late Ousainou where he approached him to sign him for Hawks from Wallidan but been a gentleman of an impeccable character, he refused to hurt his rivals and advised the former Sevilla star to remain with the Blues while continue to support him.
His son Momodou M.M. Njie said his father gave everything he had to football. “He loved football so much that he will do anything and I sometimes wonder why he is doing so much at the time,” he added.
Remembering the late Ousainou Njie is part of a new weekly feature of football men and women who have contributed immensely to the development of the sport in this country. Each week, we will identify a legend by talking to his friends, colleagues and family in an attempt to chronicle how those people impacted on our beautiful game. Rather than him or her telling his or her own story, instead people will talk about their stories for them.