Star on Parade Baboucarr Badjan - Real de Banjul
Written by Nanama Keita
The Eda Carr pre-season tournament may be linked to the success of the Banjul clubs in the GFA league 3.
That is because the intakes were given enough time for assessment which allowed them to germinate and assume responsibilities which their opponents from the other parts of the country are falling short of.
Real de Banjul are enjoying pole position in the on-going league season, thanks to the hard work of new revelation Baboucarr Badjan, commonly known as “Nyaw”. The young midfielder adds a special sparkle to the team and has aided them to several victories. Nyaw who is yet to record his name in the score sheet has, on many occasions, helped his front men to find the net.
“I set up two against Sea View, one against Steve Biko, Sait Matty, Armed Forces you name them. It’s a tough season but I think Real de Banjul can make a mark” he said.
Badjan is yet to pave himself a way to top level football in the country like many young footballers. After his nawettan career with Tigers and Wayobi in Banjul, he joined Real de Banjul as one of the youngest lads.
The youngster later relegated himself to the second division where he also warmed the bench with Ham Ham.
“It was very difficult for me in the beginning. But I had a good counsellor who would not make me give up. That has made me worked very hard,” he said.
His tireless efforts to pave his way to the top flight was rewarded when Real de Banjul asked for his service this season, and fortunately for Real, it was the right decision at the right time.
Badjan has already established himself in Real’s starting line-up and winning the league title could just be another bonus for the forward-looking player.
“I am still a young player and I have a long way to go. I hope to play professionally after playing for my nation, The Gambia,” Badjan said.
GFA First Division final weekend fixtures
Date Teams Venue
Sun 17-06-07 B/United v GPA SK East
Sun 24-06-07 Sea View v Biko Brikama
Sun 24-06-07 Bakau Utd v Real Stadium
Sun 24-06-07 A/Forces v Wallidan SK West
Sun 24-06-07 Sait Matty v Hawks SK East
Sun 24-06-07 GPA v Gamtel Banjul
Week Seventeen Standing
Team P W D L GD Pts
1. Real 17 9 5 3 9 32
2. GPA 16 8 6 2 9 30
3. Wallidan 17 8 6 3 5 30
4. Gamtel 17 8 5 4 5 29
5. A/Forces 17 6 5 6 2 23
6. Hawks 17 6 4 7 2 22
7. Sait Matty 17 4 5 8 -6 17
8. Steve Biko 17 2 9 6 -9 15
9. B/United 16 3 5 8 -10 14
10. Sea View 17 3 4 10 -11 1