Following the sad news of the passing of late Alh Momodou Njie (Biri), messages of condolences and sympathy offered to the late football icon continue to trickle in at both Football House and the Njie families in Banjul.
Upon hearing the passing on the late football hero at his base in Belgium, Scorpions Coach Tom Saintfiet was among the first group of people that sent condolences and tribute eulogizing on the planetary star also describing Biri as an icon who is worthy to emulate.
Saintfiet’s Full Text
The sad news of the passing away of Biri Biri came in as a shock to me. Biri Biri was a hero, a man who went alone to Denmark, Spain to conquer the football world. The first Gambian and one of the first African players to make the big step to European top football. A pioneer, and an example for many.
He opened the doors for many generations and more than that, he became a very successful player, a star, an icon! Highly respected decades later everywhere he went. The stories of him paying his own flight to play for the scorpions proved also his love for homeland. Respect. But more than that, he was a great person, the last two years I had the honor to meet him frequently, to travel with him to Angola and Norway, to watch football together and to discuss the game. He was such a nice and gentle person, lovely man to be with. It was an honor to know him.
When the news got to me on Sunday, I couldn’t hide my tears, remembering the man with the beautiful smile and an hero for many, a hero to me. Lucky enough, heroes never die! Biri Biri will always be with us and will always be an example for us all. A motivation to achieve more for Gambian football.
Saintfiet had earlier posted the tribute on his Facebook page upon hearing the sad news over the weekend of his admirer whom he traveled a couple of times on national duties with the Scorpions. The Belgian tactician quickly admired the comportment of the football hero and acknowledged his understanding of the beautiful game.
The late Alh Momodou Njie (Biri) passed on Sunday 19th July 2020 at a local Hospital in Dakar, Senegal where he has been receiving treatment following a mild illness. Biri 72 was accorded a National Funeral (Hommage) presided over by the President of the Republic His Excellency Adama Barrow on Wednesday 22nd July 2020 at the Banjul Arch. President Barrow has further decorated the late Biri with a posthumous Award with the Insignia of the Grand Commander Of The Republic Of The Gambia (GCRG). 