By Lamin Jassey
Former Gamtel FC coach Tapha Manneh, has won the Liberian championship with his club LISCR and the FA Cup in grand style. His team was unbeaten in 22 league matches and went on to be crowned the champions of Liberia and went ahead to win the FA cup against Elwa FC, last night, a monumental achievement giving that this is the first time he is coaching a foreign club.
Tapha Manneh’s successes in coaching is not new as he had won many trophies for his former clubs whiles in The Gambia. He is not only a great tactician but also a phenomenal technician. I would argue that, Nyanchor, also have a great deal of luck on his side which sometimes is needed in this business.
I have known Tapha, to be a great listener and a very thoughtful person too. I say this because I sat in several meetings with him in the GFA organising committee and listened to his arguments and sense of reasoning. Coaching is all about making the right decisions at the right time. It’s also about building a relationship with your players and understanding and learning from them. Tapha Manneh, does that very well hence his numerous glories in The Gambia and beyond.
Manneh Wally, the Kabou Nyanchor, bags some very impressive qualifications in coaching too:
* CAF “B” License Holder (with GFF)
* FA Level 1 certificate in football coaching (English FA)
* The FA Emergency Aid workshop certificate (English FA)
* Intermediate and advance coaching certificates
* Certificate in club administration (English FA)
* FA Certificate in parents and carers (English FA)
The indomitable coach was also a footballer before the foraying into coaching. He played for Cheren FC Division II, Saraba FC Division I, Gamtel FC Division I. During his footballing days, he was highlighted as being very disciplined, helpful, tenacious and loved by both players and coaches.
Besides, playing football, Tapha, was also a sports administrator. He was one time Vice chairman of Lamin youth and sports committee, Member of GFA Organizing committee, Liaison officer Gambia Football Coaches Association, Acting secretary general Gambia Football Coaches Association 2011-2013, Treasurer Gambia Football Coaches Association, 1st vice president WCRFCA, Technical Director Lamin United FC- 2nd Division, President Kombo Kerewan fc WCR 3rd Div.
This impressive gentleman with great coaching skills and of course a great deal of luck coached the following clubs and national team.
* Lamin zonal team
* Technician Gamtel FC
* Head Coach Gambia U20
* Head coach Gamtel fc in Gambia
* LISCR FC in Liberia
The former Gamtel coach made a great deal of achievements in The coaching business. He won several trophies for his former club among other things:
* FA cup champion – Gamtel ~ 2009/10
* FA cup champion – Gamtel ~ 2010/11
* FA cup champion – Gamtel ~ 2011/12
* GFF cup champion – Gamtel ~ 2012/13
* GFF cup runner up ~ 2014/15
* GFA Super cup winner – Gamtel ~ 2010/11
* GFA Super cup winner – Gamtel ~ 2011/13
* GFF Super cup winner – Gamtel ~ 2014/15
* National league Runners up – Gamtel ~ 2013/14
* National league champion – Gamtel. ~ 2014/15
* Best coach of the year ~ 2014/15
* 4th position in national league ~ 2015/16
* Presently coach of liscr fc in Liberia ~ 2016/17
Tapha, also took his club, Gamtel FC, to many international competitions over the years:
* Runner up WAFU club championship in TOGO
* Second round CAF Confederations Cup Championship
* Second round CAF Confederations Cup Championship
* Second round CAF Confederations Cup Championship
* First round on CAF club championship with Gamtel fc
Tapha Manneh has not only proven that he is a great coach both home and abroad but also a great ambassador for The Gambia and the football fraternity. He made the lovers of football proud and represented his country well in Liberia. Every football loving person should celebrate Tapha’s achievement in a foreign land as he is selling our country for all the good reasons.
