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.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce the transfer of talented midfielder Alieu Gibba to Estonian top club Paide Linnameeskond. The 19-year-old skilful midfielder, who featured at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year where he guided the Gambia U20 to finish second at the tournament, moves to our partner club in Estonia. Alieu, popularly known as Gaúcho due to his ball-playing skills likened to former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho, was an integral part in the City Boys scooping its thirteenth GFF League Division One title under Estonian gaffer and former Paide coach in Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko. “We are happy to have another player who leaves us to sign abroad and with Alieu, I knew with the skill and talents he possesses, it wasn’t going to be long for him to move. He is a talented player who did well at the AFCON U20 in Egypt and I’m pleased for him that he’s getting this chance now with our partner club,” Bakary Jammeh, 2nd Vice President of Real de Banjul, said. Gibba meanwhile thanked the club and his teammates for the opportunity and helping in making him better ready for a move abroad. “I want to thank the entire management and executive of Real de Banjul for bringing me into the club and giving me this chance where I am now moving to a foreign club. My teammates have been supportive of me during the season and I cannot thank them enough for that. Also thanks and appreciation goes out to my coaches, Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko and his entire coaching staff,” Gibba said. Alieu will always be remembered for his swagger and calm style of play which always put smiles on the face of the Real de Banjul fans. Everyone at Real de Banjul will like to thank Alieu Gibba for his contribution to the club and wish him well with Paide Linnameeskond and beyond.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Real de Banjul after the club clinched its 13th league title in the 2022/23 GFF League Division One. The world football governing body supremo, Mr. Gianni Infantino, sent his congratulatory letter through the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) President, Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo. “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Real de Banjul FC for having being crowned 2023 Champion of the Gambia (GFF Division One League). This title could not have been achieved without the team’s hard work, passion, dedication and everyone at the club can be proud. Please extend my congratulations to everybody involved in this great achievement,” the FIFA supremo said. The Italian also squeezed in his appreciation to the GFF as he thanked the President, Kaba Bajo, and the entire GFF for their work in Gambia football. “On behalf of the entire football community, I take this opportunity to thank you and your Federation for your contribution to the development and prosperity of football in The Gambia and in Africa,” the letter ended. To add to the FIFA President’s words, Real de Banjul Football Club will like to thank the GFF President, Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo and the entire Gambia Football Federation for their great work in improving our domestic leagues and the development in The Gambia football at large.

Real de Banjul have clinched the Club’s thirteenth GFF League Division One title as their goalless draw against Waa Banjul on the final day was enough for them to finish top of the 2022/2023 league table. The domestic league title that eluded the City Boys since the 2013/2014 season has been finally captured amid a dramatic fashion, as the Whites spent much of the season chasing Falcons FC before they overtook the Abuko-based side in the second to last game of the season. Estonian head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko and his charges’ superior goal difference to Falcons turned out to be the difference as their draw against Waa Banjul was enough to clinch the title despite Falcons’ final day 4-2 victory over Steve Biko. The City Boys got their crown and colourful coronation at a packed full KG5-Mini Stadium in Banjul, a befitting atmosphere for the City Boys to claim their title. Zahovaiko who was brought in this season to replace club legend Bye Malleh Wadda, led to the City Boys to conquer the top-tier Gambian league was elated after the City Boys are crowned champions in Banjul. “I would’ve love to take all the the credit but I cannot. I am not alone, I had very good staff who helped me everyday. We also have very good and talented players, they did an excellent job. Nice journey with ups and downs but at the final stage (of the season) we showed real willpower, I’m so proud of the team. Congratulations to the whole club, to the President and all the management, it’s a nice feeling,” Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko said. Despite spending much of the season below the top of the league table, Zahovaiko, nicknamed ‘Slava’, credits the secret behind the team’s success to the following saying that: “When I first came, we set goals and one of the biggest goals was good training process, hard work, I think those are some of our secrets, actually we didn’t lose hope we always fight.” Zahovaiko added: “Actually there was some moments we thought now everything is gone, but suddenly everything changed and I am really happy that the boys took it (win the league). We have great staff, we have best Presidents (club management), they supported us from the first day and the players, they did the job because they were the ones on the pitch. So, I give all the credit to the players”. The 41-year-old concluded by saying that: “Oh, I am relieved (that Real de Banjul won the league), it was not an easy job I must say but I am happy that we achieved together in my first season. It was a long time that the club was waiting to feel like this, so it is a great day, today. For me personally, this is the first time of me winning a trophy and working abroad as a coach, I will never forget that!” Goalkeeper Lamin Saidy, who captained the City Boys to their 13th league title, said that:…

BY: Media Officer Foday Jatta Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko challenges his players to adopt a better attitude after their frustrating draw against newly promoted Greater Tomorrow FC at home. The Estonian tactician led his City Boys to a flyer in their opening fixture of the GFF League Division One as they thrashed GAF 4-1 but endured a frustrating afternoon at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy on Saturday against Greater Tomorrow. The Whites may find themselves unfortunate not keep their perfect start after missing the opportunity to win with Modou Lamin Demba missing a penalty, Abdoulie Baldeh hitting the woodwork twice and Salifu Colley missing a last gap opportunity and a host of clear openings that came begging to no avail. “It’s good that these kind of things are happening in the beginning of the league because we can talk about the problems now but I think our biggest problem is the attitude. I think we didn’t came into the first half with the expected attitude. There’s no easy wins. This kind of expectation has to stop. We need to bring our attitude to another level. I know the level of the boys and I know what they can do, I see them every day. In the first have we didn’t do anything to be dangerous to the opponent or to win the three points”, Zahovaiko said. “Two completely different halves. The first half was very weird to watch because I didn’t recognize the players. The performance was really, really, poor from all of them. In the second half I recognize our team, we started to play the ball, we arrived the opponent’s half more quicker, we created a lot of chances and it was nice to watch but unfortunately we didn’t score”. The City Boys were close to snatching the three points after substitute Modou Lamin Demba won a penalty in injury time before the keeper saved his spot kick. Slava said: “We had a penalty but penalties are more than lottery, but it’s a pity that we didn’t get the three points from the penalty kick. But after the penalty we had another goal scoring chance with Salifu Colley.” Slava couldn’t hide his feelings to his side after the disappointing draw, saying that; “the results of course disappoints me a lot and I think all the boys in the dress room understood that. It’s a new culture for me and I hope the boys understand my talk was serious enough and they get the right message because with this kind of first half it’s going to be a miracle to win the league”. Youngster Sheikh Jaw came on in the second half and set up Modou Lamin Demba to win the penalty and showed signs of promise for the future. “That was an easy decision to play him (Sheikh Jaw) because he was really good in the training sessions. But I think I also got the message from him that he wants to play more, so it’s a good opportunity…

BY: Media Officer Foday Jatta Estonian and Real de Banjul’s head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko says he’s happy for his boys and winning the first three points as Real de Banjul began its 2022/23 GFF League Division One season with a 4-1 thumping victory over the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). The City Boys went behind to a first-half lead before a second-half brilliant display with a brace each from forward Salifu Colley and striker Abdoulie Baldeh was enough to turn the game on Real’s favor. “I am happy for the boys that we won the first three points, it’s very important that we start well. I felt a little bit of tension because we trained for three months and the boys wanted to succeed,” Zahovaiko said. He added: “In the first half, we struggled a lot but after the halftime team talk, we came back with a good attitude. Congratulations to everyone”. He said it was very “nice goals (scored by by Colley and Baldeh) because, in the first half, we only had two shots on the goal, not much so two is not enough. So, that was the message that we have to score more and as quickly as possible and it happened in the second minute of the second half. I like that we have nice combination play and really fast arrival in front of the goal with or touch finishing. I’m happy for the boys.” Zahovaiko who’s commonly known as Slava, hailed the team spirit of his side saying: “It’s not easy to come back when you are one zero down. So I think we have a good spirit in the team, and what I like about the boys is that they hate to lose, I think that’s the most important thing. They (GAF) had a lucky goal, I’m not sure if it’s a goal or not but we have to trust the linesman”. Slava notes that he wasn’t lucky for the red card on the GAF goalkeeper but agreed it makes it easy to play against a team with a man down. “I cannot say that it’s a lucky red card for us because we try to play more directly behind the line and with the first ball we succeeded, the goalkeeper committed the mistake and when a team (the opponent) is one man down it’s easier to play, but I can say that the opponent fought still so it wasn’t an easy game for us”. The new Real de Banjul gaffer outlined the targets for him and his team for the new league season saying that it is: “to win the league and to help the players to reach the next (professional) level and help the club to have a good and solid training system. That’s my target!” Abdoulie Baldeh, who scored a brace on the evening, said he was happy to score in the first game of the season and he felt it was deserved after the preparation they’ve been through. Baldeh said: “Last season,…

BY: Media Officer Foday Jatta Real de Banjul Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko as the Club’s new Head Coach and Manager for the upcoming season. Zahovaiko flew into the country for the first time earlier this week and he is expected to guide the team into the 2022/23 Gambia Football Federation League Division One season as well as being responsible for managing the affairs of all of the Club’s youth categories. The 40-year-old former footballer takes up the reigns of leadership at Real de Banjul after leaving our Estonian partner-club, Paide Linnameeskond, on mutual terms in December 2021. His arrival into the country happened through a technical cooperation with Paide Linnameeskond which will see Real de Banjul benefiting from technical assistance amongst others. Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko, commonly called Slava, is one of the most exciting coaches in the game and he is a UEFA Pro Licence holder. He was responsible for the development and giving chances to two former Real de Banjul players in Alassana Jatta and Muhammed Sanneh during their time in Paide before their eventual moves to Danish club Viborg FF and Czech side FC Baník Ostrava respectively. On becoming Real de Banjul’s new gaffer, Slava said: “It feels really good to be here. So far the impression is really nice and the people in the club look to be very ambitious. Since I arrived here, they have provided me with a lot of information which I am analysing and the first thing I want to do is to quickly get to know my staff members. I need to introduce to them the way I work and they have to feel that I trust them and of course I need to feel that they trust me too. I also need to find a good language with my staff members, because without them I cannot achieve anything”. He added: “We have to build together a good environment and be patient with the players because nothing comes easy overnight. So, the primary thing is to organize good training sessions here and I believe it will take a little bit of time but I’m sure we will handle that because that is the foundation to develop the players in a proper way. I am interested in hardworking because I have a reputation of being a very demanding coach and I always put my targets as high as possible. I believe in hard work and the players also have to believe in what we are doing and be disciplined!” When asked about his feeling when he first heard of the interest from Real de Banjul, he said: “I was very surprised in the beginning but I didn’t hesitate with the answer to say yes to the job because I really wanted to come here. This is not a touristic visit and that is why I am prepared mentally to work here and achieve new heights with the club. I think Real de Banjul is a great club…

BY: Media Officer Foday Jatta Real de Banjul President William Abraham has called on the club’s coaching and playing staff to be more dedicated and committed to the Club in an end of season annual meeting held at the Oasis Apartments in Senegambia. The meeting was organized at the back of a season that saw the City Boys finish second in the GFF First Division League and losing six players who all secured professional football contracts. Making his remarks at the gathering, club President Abraham called for everyone’s commitment to the club saying that “if you are part of a team, you’ve to be part of it and have discipline which is broad while dedication is another important feature a person needs to succeed in life.” Abraham added: “These qualities are broad and includes a lot of things. If you’re part of a setup, you need to be part of it in a way that you make sure that you are achieving the goals of that place but not just to be there for your selfish interest. People should not just be showing up when it’s time for benefits and lack behind when it’s time for work. I am the president of the club but people who are my bosses put me in this position.” “This is a team that was formed since 1966, the oldest in the country. It took a lot of hard work to be here today as the biggest club in the county. Our wish is to be one of the top clubs in Africa but that can only be if we are all committed to Real de Banjul.” The Club’s Technical Director, Pa Suwareh Faye, is with the opinion that Real de Banjul got a successful season saying: “This is one of the most successful seasons for Real de Banjul because, the club has transferred six players this season and we were able to name only eighteen players on the matchday squad for last of the season and because of your dedication and commitment, we were still able to finish second.” “Lamin Saidy has at some point got invitations to the national team, from there four players got invited to the national CHAN team, four to the U20 for the WAFU and now five to the U23s who are preparing for a home base players’ AFCON qualifier,” Faye added. The Gambia U20 captain Kajally Drammeh joined Cape Town City of South Africa while Ebrima Jarju, Ebrima Singhateh, Bubacarr Tambedou, and Foday Darboe all joined Estonian giants and partner club Paide Linnameeskond with striker Babucarr Jallow moving to Angola’s Wiliete SC. Ten players have been invited to various national team setups with Lamin Saidy, Gregory Sambou, David Sambou, Modou Manneh, Samba Jallow, and Muhammed Baldeh all being called up to The Gambia U23 while Alieu Gibba, Yaya Bojang, Salifu Colley and Abdoulie Baldeh were invited to the U20. For his part, head coach, Bye Malleh Wadda said: “It has been a difficult season, we wanted to…

Real de Banjul comfortably cruised past Brikama United 3-1 at the renovated KG5 Mini Stadium in Banjul to compete the double over the Sateyba boys who they saw off to a 1-0 victory in the first round. The victory cannot happen in a more dramatic fashion than seeing our own Brikama-born lads in Lamin Badjie, Amadou Nyassi and Modou Manneh all combining to score against their former side on Wednesday. Lamin Badjie opened the scoring at the 22nd minute after a cross from Modou Manneh before Brikama United drew level through Mustapha Drammeh in the 36th minute. Amadou Nyassi restored the City Boys’ lead at the stroke of halftime after being set-up by Lamin Badjie with Modou Manneh volleying home the third to give Real a comfortable lead and victory. Lamin Badjie who opened the scoring and laid two assists spoke to the media after the match saying: “I want to thank Brikama United for my time there, football cannot separate us”. When asked if playing against his former side or showing that he has what it takes to perform at the highest level was behind his best outing for Real de Banjul, the player, commonly called L Boy: “It’s just a game for me, irrespective of the team that you’re playing against. So, any jersey that I put on I give out my best, it doesn’t matter whether I from Brikama or not. Every little child’s dream is to play for Real de Banjul, it’s a noble club so I am here, I am happy to be part of the Real de Banjul family. I also want to make records and history for this great club.” L Boy says he is also dreaming of representing the Scorpions later in his career saying: “I don’t want to be just playing the first division, I am pursuing a higher career like playing for The Gambia U20, CHAN team, and further my career to a higher stage”. The winger has now notched two goals and two assists after struggling for playing since signing for the City Boys especially when Kajally Drammeh and Modou Lamin Demba were around plus a groin injury that kept him away for months. Lamin’s fellow Sateyba Boys who made the headlines at the KG5, defender Modou Manneh, registered three goals and three assists, whilst midfielder Amadou Nyassi, who’s now finding his footing in the team has two goals to his to his name. The impressive victory over Brikama United means Real de Banjul has now secured the second place and move to within three points to leaders Hawks FC who played a game less, with two games to go for the City Boys.