Real de Banjul Football Club can confirm that striker Suwaibou Kebbeh has completed a move to Swedish Allsvenskan side Hammarby IF. The 18-year-old forward joins Hammarby on loan with an option to buy, marking an exciting new chapter in his promising career. Kebbeh departs the City Boys after playing a pivotal role in securing our third consecutive Gambia Football Federation Men’s Division One League title, which was our 15th overall. He was particularly influential during the second half of the season, scoring eight crucial league goals and featuring in every game as we powered toward the championship. Club President William Abraham praised the young striker’s contribution, stating that: “Suwaibou is a player of exceptional character and talent. His impact in the latter part of the season was vital to our title win and we’re proud to have been part of his development. We believe this move to Hammarby will help him take the next step in his career and we’ll be watching his progress closely. Hammarby is a top club in Sweden and we’re happy that we could provide this chance for him.” Speaking on his transfer, Kebbeh expressed gratitude to the the City Boys, saying: “I want to sincerely thank everyone at Real de Banjul, the coaches, staff, my teammates and the fans for believing in me. This club gave me the platform to grow and I’ll always be grateful. I wish the team the very best in the CAF Champions League qualifiers.” Everyone at Real de Banjul FC extends their best wishes to Suwaibou Kebbeh as he embarks on this new journey in Sweden. We look forward to seeing his continued growth and success at Hammarby IF.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that reliable defender David Sambou is leaving to sign for Manila Digger FC in the Philippines Football League (top-tier) after eight successful seasons at the club. The 22-year-old, who has been at the club for eight amazing years, winning five trophies, three times GFF Division One League champion and two Super Cup titles at the club, captained the club many times, he was a great leader, and example to many. The center-back who has been a key figure and consistent performer for the City Boys under four different coaches will Manila Diggers who play in the Philippines Football League and are preparing to play in the Asian Champions League 2. David signed for the City Boys in 2018 from Tallinding United and won the Super Cup in his first competitive game under Ebou Jarra, the defender went on to be a pillar in the City Boys’ team afterwards, playing under Legendary Bye Malleh Wadda, Vjatseslav Zahovaiko whom he won his first League Title with before he went on to win two more league titles and a Super Cup under current coach, Ebrima Jatta. David Sambou leaves a reputable mark as the exemplary figure, and character very respected across the club for his loyalty, consistent performances, and leadership qualities during his eight illustrious seasons with the 15-time GFF Division One Champions. This is what David had to say after the confirmation of his departure from the club he served for almost a decade with admirable service: “First of all, I would like to thank God for making this move possible. I want to say a big thank you to my family, Real de Banjul Board, the Coaches I played under at the club, my teammates, and our amazing fans for their support and sacrifices, because without these people I wouldn’t have this opportunity. They gave me a lot of support and motivation to achieve what I have today. Sadly, I am leaving, but this is life and things happen for a reason, whatever comes your way you have to take it. Believing in myself is the reason I arrived here today and the support of my colleagues and the people that I have been working with”. “It is a very difficult feeling because Real de Banjul is my home where I have learned a lot. It is not easy to leave a place where you have lived for so long. The environment, the loved ones that you lived with, the good relationship at the club, working shoulder to shoulder in tough moments to make things right, and a moment like this arrives where you turn your back and leave. So is life. For me, what I always have in mind is; what I see is what I take and Real de Banjul was everything to me, so that is why I took my time at the club with all my life, and made it my mind, that was where I belonged, that is where…

BY: Media Officer Foday Jatta Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that winger utility Baboucarr Touray has permanently left the club to sign with the Philippines Football League outfit Manila Digger FC. Baboucarr Touray who signed for the City Boys in 2023 after a spell with the Gambia Armed Forces won four trophies in his only three seasons he spent at the club, three GFF Division One league titles and the Super Cup. Touray has been a mainstay in the City Boys’ team in the past three seasons, scoring important goals, providing assists, and performing well. Baboucarr leaves with a wealth of experience even at a young age. This is what Baboucarr Touray had to say after the confirmation of his departure. “I got two different feelings at the same time. I was sad that I was leaving a team that I love with all my heart, a team that has been there for me, the team is home and it’s sad to leave home. The other part of it was I was going to another level, I got to have the chance to better my life and that of many other people along the journey, and that’s the cool part of it”. Touray said, adding that; “I am very grateful to be part of the history of this great club. We all made history together from the executive members, technical staff, players, media team, fans, and everyone involved. We all made this history together and I am proud to be part of it. I kept believing and having faith. One thing is for sure, what’s meant for you will be yours and self-motivation keeps me on track. But to be honest, I feel happy when I see people making it pro because it’s for the greater good”. The winger concluded by showing his appreciation for his time at the club: “I thank the club and the fans for all they have done for the fact that this transfer wouldn’t have happened without them. The club got me the exposure while the fans love and support us all along the way. I love you all,” Baboucarr Touray said. This is what the 2nd Vice President, Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh has to say about Baboucarr Touray: “Baboucar was a very committed young player whose hard work contributed to us winning the league 3 times in a row. He was also the fans’ favourite. We believe that he will excel in the Philippines and move to bigger leagues”. Everyone at Real de Banjul wishes Baboucarr Touray the very best of luck in the next chapter, future, and entire life.

The management of Real de Banjul FC on Tuesday warmly welcomed the Sporting Real U-16 team to the club headquarters at Kerr Real, in recognition of their impressive performance in the recently concluded Gambinos Cup U-16 tournament. The young and talented squad, led by head coach Yusupha Sanyang and his backroom staff, were joined by their proud parents for a vibrant ceremony hosted by the club. The team finished as runners-up in their debut appearance at the prestigious annual youth competition, narrowly missing out on the title after a dramatic penalty shootout in the final. Sporting Real U-16, also known as the Young Whites, topped a tough group that included eventual champions Gambinos Stars Africa, LK City, and BE Sport Academy. They advanced from the group stage with an impressive seven points before defeating Senegalese side Elite Stars on penalties in the semifinals. In a closely contested final, they fell just short against the hosts. Real de Banjul FC President William Abraham praised the young team for their discipline and determination. “They’re all champions,” Abraham said. “We’re very proud of their performance, their commitment, and their professionalism. This was their first major competition, and they carried themselves with incredible maturity. We also extend our deepest thanks to the parents and coaching staff who supported them throughout.” Second Vice President Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the vital role the U-16 side plays in the club’s development structure. “These boys are the foundation of our future,” Jammeh stated. “Their dreams—to become professionals and represent The Gambia—are our collective mission. Football is more than a sport; it’s a career path and a means of transforming lives. We are committed to guiding these players and helping them achieve greatness.” He also praised the parents for their continued trust in the club and called on them to remain active partners in their children’s development, both on and off the pitch. Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Amadou Jallow expressed gratitude to the club for providing a platform for their children to pursue their dreams. “We’re grateful to the club for nurturing our children and giving them the opportunity to shine,” Jallow said. “As parents, we have a responsibility to support them in both education and sport. With our collective efforts, we can help them succeed.” The ceremony served not only as a celebration of Sporting Real U-16’s achievements, but also as a reaffirmation of Real de Banjul FC’s commitment to youth development and community engagement.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that teenage midfielder Babucarr Jobe has left the club to join Swedish Allsvenskan club IFK Värnamo on a loan transfer. The athletic and nimble-footed player, likened to former Chelsea and France midfielder N’Golo Kanté, won the Gambia Football Federation League Division One in his first full season with Real de Banjul before going on loan to second-division side Elite United FC in search of regular game-time. The 18-year-old, nicknamed Park, after former Manchester United and South Korea midfielder, Park Ji-sung, travelled to Sweden earlier this year where he underwent a trial in May with Värnamo who have now decided to take him on a contract until the end of the current league season where he is set to feature for the club’s  Allsvenskan (top-tier) and U19 sides. Real de Banjul Club President William Abraham was delighted to see a player, whom he watched grow since his childhood, turn professional as he has a great influence in his family and upbringing. Abraham said: “I am very happy that Babucarr Jobe has signed on loan in Värnamo because he is a player that has been with us since he was a young kid. He is more like the son of the club. We all know that his father, Ousman Jobe (Oussou) has been the team’s chief driver for years and the same father has once been my personal driver since my schooling days. Oussou has also worked for my father and even his (Oussou) father has also worked for my great-grandfather. So, this family has been working with us for generations and that makes this transfer even more special.” “So, Babucarr is part of our family and we are extremely happy. We wish him well, both myself and my colleagues at the club all know what Babucarr means to us. He is a good boy who is disciplined and listens, we pray for him that he succeeds in turning his loan into a permanent move,” Abraham added. Babucarr’s father, Ousman Jobe, who has been driving the Real de Banjul team bus, transporting various generations of the club players including his son, was elated seeing his son sign a professional contract, having seen different players he’s been transporting with the team bus, also sign pro contracts. Oussou said: “My family and I are very happy, it means a lot that after many years of working for Real de Banjul, my son also signed a professional contract after playing for the club. I want to thank everyone at the club who contributed to developing ‘Pape’ (Babucarr’s nickname at home) all these years. Honestly, I am very happy and I believe everyone at the club is happy about what Pape achieved by signing for IFK Värnamo.” Everyone at Real de Banjul is happy for Babucarr Jobe and wish him all the best of luck and success in Sweden with IFK Värnamo.

Real de Banjul Football Club is pleased to announce that midfielder Foday Darboe has signed for Sur Sports Club in the Oman Professional League (top-tier league) on a free transfer. Foday who has always given everything in the heart of the City Boys’ midfield and played a key role to help the club clinch back-to-back title winning seasons have left to Oman, where he signs his second professional contract. Foday Darboe had this to say after completing his move to Sur SC: “I am excited for this new challenge in Oman. It’s the second time I am leaving the Gambia to sign a professional contract, my first one didn’t go well but hopefully this time it goes well for me. I will do everything I can to play a big part in my new club’s success and grow as a player. Having this opportunity might have been difficult if not for Real de Banjul so, I am grateful to the club and I want to thank the management, coaches and my teammates and fans of the club who have always been my family and will be forever be. I wish Real de Banjul all the best in the coming season and the future”. Club President William Abraham said that: “This transfer for Foday Darboe came about through the agent who approached and informed us about a transfer for him as the agent, was agent of the coach when he took him to Bangladesh. Foday is at an age where he knows it’ll be really difficult to secure a move to Europe as we all know Europeans look at the ages between 18-20 to sign players.” Abraham added: “He was once in Denmark and Estonia where opportunities were for him but sadly couldn’t work out and he came back home to help us achieve our back to back league titles. So we feel this is a move for him where he can go better his career and life as the salary he’ll be getting there we can’t offer that to him here. So it’s good he goes, make a living and help his family which is why we let him go for free. As a club we wish him well and appreciate all the years he spent with us and helping us achieve titles.” Everyone at Real de Banjul wishes Foday Darboe all the best in Oman, his football career and life.

Real de Banjul head coach Ebrima Jatta says he has the ambition to win the Gambia Football Federation League Division One title in his first season as the club’s gaffer. The City Boys have some comfort at the summit of the league table with ten points with eight league games remaining. “Winning the 14th league title for this club in my first season as head coach is an ambition but we can’t take anything for granted. We will continue working hard and I am confident that this team will continue performing at the highest level,” Jatta said ahead of his next league game. The 13-time GFF Division One League champions have in most part of the season led the league table and outscoring the teams behind them. The gaffer explained the reasons behind his side’s good saying that: “We are thrilled with the significant progress that the team have achieved so far. In the beginning we had to ask ourselves how we are going to approach the league. We firstly had to set a clear goal for the team and how to make significant progress m, how to we get the team produce high quality work, our standards and expectations and how to continue at that level for the rest of the season.” He added: “After reviewing our progress from the first round until now, we can see that we have achieved those goals set so far. The performances individually and as a team have been very good and we will like to commend our hardworking team for their dedication and understanding our coaching philosophy as we progress through the league. Initially, our focus was to be cautious in the first five games then we transition to a more aggressive attacking pattern, and the players understanding of our ideas helped us achieve what we are enjoying today.” The City Boys have no one close to the top-scoring chart but still scored more goals than any other team in the league so far and have impressively had striker Assan Corr and winger Muhammed Suso following Alasana Yirajang in scoring a hat-trick this season. The head coach commented on that saying that: “Real de Banjul have a diverse pool of talented players, each with their unique qualities and strengths, some are new or finding their footing after coming from loan. As coaches, we understand the needs of these players and to work closely with them to improve their understanding of the game and their full potential. We recognize that this (objective) may take time and effort but with patient and dedication, we can help each player grow and develop.” Ebrima Jatta and his charges will next play away to his former employers in the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF FC) at the Bakau mini stadium on Thursday with the game kicking off at 16:30 GMT.

The second Vice President of Real de Banjul, Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh, has shared the club management’s impression on the City Boys’ performance in the first round of the Gambia Football Federation Division One League. The reigning Champions have been a mainstay on top of the Division One League table having to lead it for most of the first round. Head Coach Ebrima Jatta and his charges won an impressive ten, drew two and lost only three games throughout the first round with the City Boys scoring 22 goals and conceding only 7 in the process. The results and hard work has now led to the Club 2nd Vice President to sit down with the inhouse media to discuss the team’s first round performance and to discuss the transfers of Alasana Yirajang and Ousman Kujabi to Slovakian club FK Železiarne Podbrezová, the performance of the head coach as well as the players camped at Kerr Real. Asked what’s the impression of the club management after the first round of the team’s title defense season, Mr. Jammeh said….. “We are relatively satisfied with the performance of the team so far. We are on top of the league table by three points; it’s not a comfortable one, one has to really qualify that. We are the highest scorers, we have one of the best defensive records and we’ve the highest clean sheets thanks to our defense and goalkeepers and by extension to the whole team. So, relatively, it was a very good first half of the season. If we are to repeat that same results in the second half we can say that we’ve ticked our main box. It’s beyond numbers (on the pitch), from a policy point of view we want to be the very best all times in the country and importantly we want to keep this assembly line of these semi professionals, because we are known for that ongoing. So far we have two of our current players who have left for Slovakia, in Alasana Yirajang and Ousman Kujabi. Congratulations to them, congratulations to the Head Coach, Ebrima Jatta and all the technical staff and teammates who have helped them to go. So we are happy with that and hope that we’ll be able to add a few more in the second half of the season because this is what Real de Banjul is about, bettering the life of our young men and also keeping our business model going because when more players go, it means we have more funding to put back into the team, to develop more young ones and also help attract more young players into the club. We have more exciting young players who are yet to reach their potentials. We also have three players selected to the Gambia U20 team but by our standard, it should be more than that! So, if you ask me, that is one area I’m not satisfied with. Three is a good number but I’ll charge our technical team…

Real de Banjul Football Club have decamped the twelve players who were camped at Kerr Real at the end of the five weeks timeline of the pilot program. It could be recalled that in over a month ago, the management together with the club’s technicians initiated to camp twelve young players for five weeks at its club house, Kerr Real, to trial a different approach to developing some young players. The initiative that acclaimed the praise and approval of football enthusiasts, went to be a worthy one after players from the camp showed signs of progress as Real de Banjul’s five out of their last six games, were scored by Baboucarr Touray (2), Alasana Badjie (2) and Abdurahman Badamosi (1), all from the camped group and coincidentally their very first goals of the campaign and they came after the fourth and fifth weeks of their camp. Club President William Abraham shared his satisfaction during the decamping of the successful camp on Monday at Kerr Real saying that: “I want to thank (club technical director) Pa Suwareh Faye and Coach Lamin Kijera who did a great job with the twelve players during the five weeks long camp. I want to thank the players for their patience and discipline that you’ve shown.” “I have never heard of any bad attitudes or wrongdoing from the camp, so it means we are achieving what we are slowly achieving what we want. We appreciate your patience, some of you are not having playing time, wait for your time. My level of education is not very high, I didn’t go to University or College. Bye Malleh Wadda was my commerce teacher and I was the best student in his class. Immediately I finished High School, I knew that a job was waiting for me because I was working since I was going to school. In this world you have to believe in yourself, I didn’t have to go the University to be the President of Real de Banjul, Pa Yusufa Samba who’s my vice president is much older than me but God gave me this seat.” Abraham added: “So, if you believe in yourselves, you believe that you’re the twelve players out of over a hundred players that the club has, you’re the luckiest twelve players to be in this camp. I am happy that you’re making good use of it because everything that we gave you here, we feel that it’s the best, for the first time something like this is happening in the country. This project we are doing here, I have put it on the table of the former President, Yahya Jammeh and that of Adama Barrow to build an academy facility in every region of the country. We have the best talent in Africa and I believe in them that’s why we are doing this. So, if you believe in yourself and this project you will go very far. Most of you playing in the first team have a lot of scouts…

Real de Banjul head Coach Ebrima Jatta has said that competing for trophies is a tradition in the club and believes his team has a strong chance to defend its league title. The Champions’ bright start saw them leading the GFF Division One League table, with the team dropping to second after an accumulation of bad results saw Fortune FC replace them at the top before Ebrima Jatta and his charges bounced back to reclaim the top spot after their resounding 4-0 victory over Falcons FC at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy complex with Fortune dropping points against the Gambia Armed Forces and TMT FC. “Our team is back on top again and it seems we have a strong chance of defending our title. It is clear that Real de Banjul has a tradition of competing at the top and aiming for the number one spot,” Jatta said. Ebrima Jatta says the early stages may have determined who the title contenders are as the first round of the 2023/24 GFF Division One League draws to a conclusion. “The early stages of the season may have determined the title contenders and it seems like our team, Real de Banjul, is in a good position,” Jatta said. He added: “To assess the chances of our team, it would be important to consider various factors such as the team’s current form, the player’s fitness, squad depth and the competition from other teams in the league. The challenge now is we the coaching staff having the ability to adapt to different opponents in the league.” Jatta, fondly called ‘Giggs’, credits the good training the City Boys put in and quick adjustments to tactics to having a good start to their title defense season. “Real de Banjul have been successful in implementing a variety of tactical approaches leading to good performances. The combination of balancing defensive and high pressuring drills in training helps the team win games and seeing the team win games with clean sheets suggests a well rounded approach to the game. It’s a combination of the concentration and the understanding of the tactics by the players as well as their individual brilliance and skills.” “When a team is able to execute a range of tactics effectively, it often indicates that the players have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the team’s system or style of play.” ‘Giggs’ pointed out that he never doubted his side’s capabilities to shoulder pressure of having to bounce back against Falcons FC saying that: “This victory is a positive response to the previous setbacks reflecting the resilience and determination of the team. It is a testament to the dedication and efforts of both the coaching staff and players. This four-nil victory over Falcons demonstrates that the team has the ability to bounce back from adversity and perform at a high level when it matters most.” The City Boys will end the first round of the league with a visit to the Serrekunda East…