The Gambia Under 17 striker, Jatta Baldeh, has hinted that he may may quit his regional club side, Waterman FC, as he hopes to further expose himself.

The 16-year-old left-foot forward was the only regional player that featured in The Gambia Under 17 team that won the Gambia’s second Under 17 title in the just concluded African Under 17 Championship hosted in Algeria.

Baldeh became a cult figure during the two-week event, with his whole-hearted displays appreciated by the Gambian fans despite a lack of goals. His presence in the squad, that are now considered as national heroes, also went further convince other provincial players that national team shirt is for every talented player - irrespective of where they play in the country.

However, having collected his first gold medal in a CAF recognized tournament, Baldeh is now ready to switch to a city club in order to get more exposure. “I was happy to be the only player selected from the regions,” Baldeh told Observer Sports shortly after receiving his D1 million reward from the Gambia leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh,  on Monday. “My selection to the team will only give more hope to other players in the provinces that they too could get their chance if they redouble their efforts,” “I chose to go back to Basse to play for my Waterman because I thought  that’s the best thing to do as a native of Basse.” “I have had stint with some academies here in the city. I played one season with Brikama United and I also played another season with Samger before going back to Basse to make my people proud,” he said.

Asked whether he will continue playing for the lowly-rated regional side in the coming seasons, Baldeh said: “No! I will not be going back because I need exposure. Football in Basse is not as encouraging as it is in the city. So I think the time has come for me to come here and develop my self.”

Baldeh will not reveal the club he wants to switch to, but he insists that his officials in Basse will help him find a better club in the premier tier of the Gambian football. “I am yet to decide on the choice of my club, but I know my officials in Basse will help me find one in the GFA First Division League,” he concluded.