Saikou Jawara, fondly called Okocha is a rare talent and promising young midfield player for The Gambia.

The versatile player who is currently the Vice-captain of Real de Banjul is one of the most consistent players in the team.

Born in Bakau Newtown, Saikou’s commitment and love for football at a tender age earned him a place in the Bakau junior Nawettan town with Jawara Kunda FC.

As captain of the side his hope of winning the tournament for the first time never came through, even though he was voted the most discipline player, most outstanding player and leading goal scorer of the tournament that year.

His impressive performance during his short stint with Jawara Kunda earned him a quick move to one of the most experienced and decorated Nawettan clubs in Bakau, Linguere FC and went ahead to win a total of five trophies (three from the league championship, one from super cup and another from the Kanifing Municipality championship trophy)   during his time with the Nawettan outfit.

According to Okocha as his is widely known, he would not have been where he is today if it was not the advice and encouragement from his mum, Mariama Hydara who has been very inspirational figure in his footballing career.

He then moved to first division giants Real de Banjul and went ahead to establish himself as a regular starter and was later invited by GFA to join the national home based team during the Africa nation’s cup qualifiers last year.

Saikou was again invited to the Gambia U-20 squad and made his debut appearance for the side during their 4-1 victory over neighbours Senegal last year after coming on as a substitute.

The young prodigy was both the head and heart of the Bakau zonal team that played the finest attacking and defensive football during the recently concluded Muhammed Yahya Jammeh’s perpetual zonal championship when the team won its 5th zonal trophy.

“Saikou was a formidable player during his time at CrabIslandJuniorSecondary School,” a friend told out reporter.

His is dreaming to realize his ambition of becoming a professional footballer in the near future.