Gambians have reacted positively to the appointment of Abdoulie Bojang as the new Head Coach of the country’s National U-17 Team, hailing it as an excellent choice by the national federation.
The Gambia’s football governing body, GFF, yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Bojang, 39, into the post on an initial two-year contract, tasked with the mandate of securing the country a place at the 2019 African U-17 Championship in Tanzania. The Chief Executive Officer of the Federation, Mr. Lamin Jassey described Bojang as very passionate about coaching as well as willing and able too.
Lai, as he is fondly called, is a CAF B License holder and an ex-footballer of National Football Team and played predominantly as a central midfielder for Steve Biko Football Club in the top flight Gambian league and all categories of our national teams between the years 1996 to 2002.
Congratulating his ex-teammate on social media, former Real de Banjul and Gambia National Team Goalkeeper, Wandeh Njie said the GFF has made an excellent choice. “Based on Lai’s hard work and dedication to Gambian football, it is always good to see our ex internationals being given the opportunity like the other countries in world football; retired footballers can use their experience and knowledge for the development of football,” Njie, who now resides in the United Kingdom added.
Another Facebook user, JJ Jatta said Mr. Bojang really deserves the position, noting that he has contributed a lot to Gambian football, while Gambian activist Demba Ngange Njie described him as a great star. “We grew up watching him played against Real de Banjul.” Pa Omar Jagne agreed: “This is a great appointment for the country’s football development, his leadership quality and experience will be invaluable for the kids.” Alagie Maxwell Jassey, a native of Bakau said there will be no other like Lai Bojang in Bakau.
Another to comment on Mr. Boajng’s appointment is former midfield enforcer of Mass Sosseh Shipyard FFootball Club and ex-Gambian international Sulayman “Cho” Jallow. “I have always loved the dude (sic). Very humble brother and never complain even though he was one of the best midfielders during our time but was always put on the bench. [I] never understood that,” Cho Jallow, now based in the United States of America said of his ex-national teammate.
Habib Kunta represented The Gambia at the 2007 African Youth Championship where the country finished third in Congo Brazzaville and one of the many stars that pass through the tutelage of Lai Bojang at Steve Biko Football Club. Kunta, who has now hanged up his boots, described the appointment as a well-deserved. He further described his former coach as a very intelligent and dedicated person.
For his part, Lai Bojang thanked the GFF for giving him the opportunity to head the U-17 National Team, describing it as a challenge that he is equal to. “I thank you all for all your wishes and congratulatory messages. It really motivates me to keep working hard. I belief you all have trust and confidence in me and I’ll do all my best to live up to expectation,” Mr. Bojang assured.