By Lamin Gibba
Ebou Jarra, head coach of Gamtel Football Club, said that football doesn’t bring anything to Gamtel.
The tactician made these remarks at a post-match reaction with the press over the weekend following his side’s narrow 1-0 win over scond sivision side Dibba Oil during the final playoff game for promotion to the 1st Division League played at the Late Ousman Saho Mini-Stadium in Old Yundum on Friday.
Muhammed Saine scored the game’s only goal for Gamtel FC in the 20th minute of the game.
This victory now now maintained the Telecom Giants status in the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) male top flight league after winning two of the playoff matches.
Gamtel FC beat BK Milan in their first playoff match last week, before their latest triumph over Dibba Oil.
The Gamtel gaffer said that it was the third relief in a few days for him after winning their first playoff match against BK Milan, the U-20 victory against Liberia and his latest win over Dibba Oil respectively.
“We congratulate Lie Bojang and the U-20 Team after their two consecutive wins especially, the emphatic one against Liberia. That was exceptionally good.”
He added that their game against Dibba Oil was difficult because they didn’t know their opponents (Dibba Oil) that much.
“I didn’t watch Dibba Oil that much last season because it is too far to go and watch a match in Soma. They’ve played nothing less than 15-16 home league games but I have been in touch with Dibba Oil.”
He went on to congratulate Lamin Dibba, owner of Dibba Oil FC for his passion and motivation towards the club.
“I congratulate Lamin Dibba because they have done exceptionally good. You have to give credit where it is due. These people are putting money into football. They’re feeding players, housing players and camping them at the goal project for more than a week to come and play in a playoff final. So, I’m proud of Dibba Oil, just to say hard luck this time but I’m sure if they continue working hard, they will get a better edge next time.”
Coach Ebou Jarra said that the Gamtel FC executive should do everything possible to be exporting players and not tell the coach to work on that.
“You have to go out there, look for a market and get them (players) out. The manufacturers should make sure their products are sold outside.
According to him, avenue to sell players outside the country is what is lacking at Gamtel FC, adding that football is not bringing anything to Gamtel FC.
“The executive needs to change because during the first round of last season we were up to fourth position doing good. Anybody can blame the coach for not performing well, but there was only one match bonus that was given to the Gamtel players the whole season. Camping is at my house, even “attaya” I buy with the sugar. I hired chairs for the team. This is not slandering but a fact,” said Coach Ebou Jarra.
Jarra revealed that last season with Gamtel FC has been the most difficult season in his life as a coach.
“I don’t think I will enjoy it anymore,” he said.
