Press release
Following the award of the Coach and Player of the Month in the Men’s First and Second Division leagues respectively, it’s now the turn of the women’s leagues. These awards are meant to reward the best coach and the best player for every given month with recognition to mark their outstanding recent performances in the league. The nominees are as follows:
First Division Coach of the Month
Samuel Mendy, Interior
With big shoes to fill in following the most successful female coach in Gambian football history, Mariama Sowe, Mendy has carried on where his predecessor has left. The constant desire and expectation to win comes with its own pressures but the team has continued in their winning manner to not only top the standings but to open up a points gap and with a flawless 100% win record, they could be this season’s ‘Invincibles’. Nothing more to be said.
Choro Mbenga, Red Scorpions
Red Scorpions have made a buoyant return to the top flight, after dismantling all-comers in the Second Division last season. They have started this season in a very tactical and organised manner but with plenty of goals across the team. They find themselves in second place in the table currently and Mbenga will be leading her charges to climb above their rivals the table in order to make sure that the race for honours goes down to the wire.
Joseph Jabang, Armed Forces
As an institutional team expected to challenge for honours, the team will look to get closer to their arch rivals Interior this season, following their second place finish 2 points behind the eventual champions last season. Joseph has got the team in their typical style of being tough to beat and any team that takes any points from his team this season will have truly deserved it. Finished the month in third place in the standings.
The Nominees for the GFF Women’s
First Division Player of the Month
Penda Bah, Interior
Midfield player with a a high quality attitude on and off the pitch, always respectful and taking up the leadership role at both club and national team level. With a tactical brain and technically gifted to distribute the ball with accurate passes, she has also contributed to the positive team spirit and the air of invincibility that the team possesses.
Mbassey Darboe, Interior
The driving force in terms of pace, power, technique and most importantly goals. Mbassey has established herself as one of the league’s finest players and anyone that comes up against her usually comes out second best. Having already contributed 8 goals already this season, she is set to break records if she keeps on this course.
Fatou Fatty, Red Scorpions
Skillful midfielder that is very comfortable on the ball and has shown consistent form in the league. In only her second league season and first in the top flight, Fatou has dazzled and impressed with her technique and skill that you would think she has been playing in the league for a number of years.
Fanta Jarju, Armed Forces
Outstanding player who also captains the team and is a vital instrument in the way her team plays. As an inspirational figure, Fanta leads by example and when she is at the top of her game, she is able to influence the rest of her team to follow.
Mam Drammeh, Abuko United
Following consistent performances for the past two seasons, Mam has continued her consistency and fine form to open this campaign. If the team is in trouble, they look to her to find the inspiration for a way back but she has carried that expectation on her shoulders with enthusiasm and comes to the team’s rescue time after time.
Women’s Second Division Coach of the Month
Kabir Okunade, City Girls
Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, Kabir has managed to motivate the squad to put that disappointment aside to make an excellent start this season. Their performances in the early stages of the season have marked them out as promotion favourites so they will do well to handle that pressure in the coming months. Finished the month at the top of the standings.
Abdoulie Sanyang, Kinteh’s
Having taken third place last season, Abdoulie has taken his charges to second place in the table although their main objective is to simply maintain their position in the division. The team also continues to present committed and determined players who are also able to compete for positions in the national teams. Will look to consolidate on their good start in the coming months.
Ebrima Njie, Jeshwang United
With determination and hard work, Ebrima has taken his team to third place currently in the standings. With two outstanding players at the base of the team in Bintou Ceesay and Kaddy Bayo, Ebrima has built his team and their play around them. They’ve responded positively to his instructions and look set for a fine season.
The Nominees for the GFF Women’s
Second Division Player of the Month
Neneh Jallow, City Girls
Captain of the team and the key player that makes them tick. As a very versatile player she even has to play in different positions from game to game. Nevertheless, always gives her best wherever she is on the pitch.
Fatou Bojang, Kinteh’s
As a defender it can be hard to stand out, but Fatou has defied expectations and anyone who dares to underestimate her. She shows maturity beyond her years in her reading of the game, positioning and timing of the tackle. Performs key defensive duties but is also a threat going forward.
Kaddy Bayo, Jeshwang United
Capable of scoring a goal at any moment, a key player of the team with good technique when finishing. Having been scouted by several First Division teams, she has brushed off those distractions to focus and perform week in and week out. On her current form, she looks very capable of playing in the top division.
