By Arfang M.S. Camara
Bye Malleh Wadda, head coach of Real de Banjul stated that his title ambition is still alive despite playing a one all draw against Waa Banjul during their week-nine fixture of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) First Division League played at the Late Ousman Saho football field in Old Yundum on Friday.
Waa Banjul took the lead through a well-taken free-kick by Ali in the 35 minutes of the first half, while substitute Baboucarr Jallow restored purity for Real de Banjul after a clever strike in the 78 minutes of the second half.
“Our goal is to win the league and we are going to accomplish it. I have no doubt that we’re the best team in the league and we will win the league,” said Bye Malleh Wadda during an interview with reporters on Friday.
He added that he put the challenge and pressure on himself because it’s something he feels he is capable of doing.
“I still think that we are the best team and we are going to win the league. So if other teams feel otherwise let them come,” he further stated.
According to him, one of the things they need to adjust is for his players to follow instructions, noting that one of the reasons losing the two points during this game was because his players did not follow instructions that much.
“I told the team about the conditions here (goal project). About the pitch being small, windy amongst others.”
Mr. Malleh said he told his players that the only way they can beat any team is by putting the ball on the ground, adding that he felt his players didn’t play to their strength which was why they didn’t win.
For his part, Abdou Njie, head coach of Waa Banjul said it is not easy for them each time playing against big teams in the league.
“It is always difficult for us each time playing against big teams. But we always prepare very well so that we can be able to contain them.”
He continued: “Our fitness level always helps us whenever playing big and difficult matches like against Real de Banjul. We always use our fitness against big teams so that we can be able to contain them.”
According to him, their target this season is to go higher than the fifth position they finished last season, noting that they always want some adjustments every season in the competition.
“If we can maintain our position with Real de Banjul and Wallidan right now until the end of the first round, then we will start competing for the league title in the second round,” he said.
He added that playing against Real de Banjul always helps him and his players, noting that it gives his players the opportunity and motivation to showcase their talents due to the number of spectators.