Real de Banjul can confirm the permanent transfer of striker Ousman Kujabi to Slovakian club FK Železiarne Podbrezová. The 18-year-old leaves Real de Banjul to sign a two-year contract with the Slovak First Football League club. He reunites with his Real de Banjul teammate, forward Alasana Yirajang, in Podbrezová. Kujabi will in the meantime be sent on loan to second-tier club FK Pohronie on loan until the end of the season for more first team minutes. Club President William Abraham expressed his delight at another player of the City Boys leaving the team to pen a professional contract. He said: “We’re happy that another player of ours is leaving to sign a professional contract abroad. Ousman Kujabi is a fine striker who scored very important goals for us since he joined us and I won’t be surprised seeing him continue the same in his new club.” Abraham added: “He signed for Podbrezová who are doing very well in the league and competing for a place in Europe. We understand he will be sent on loan to FK Pohronie which is a good club that will offer him playing time and slowly introduce him to the demands of professional football.” “Pohronie is a club where Alieu Fadera had success at and eventually moved to Belgium so with Ousman starting there to finish the season is a good thing and I believe he will deliver to expectations and then return to FK Železiarne Podbrezová,” Abraham concluded. Kujabi for his part thanked the club for availing him the opportunity to sign a professional contract and wished his teammates well. Everyone at Real de Banjul wishes Ousman Kujabi all the best of luck as he commences his professional football career in Slovakia with FK Železiarne Podbrezová.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce the permanent transfer of forward Alasana Yirajang on a two-year contract to Slovakian top club FK Železiarne Podbrezová. The 19-year-old forward swaps the City Boys for Podbrezová where he will spend the next few years in his professional football career. The Kartong-born mesmerizing winger leaves Real de Banjul as the club’s top scorer, netting seven times in eleven outings this season. Club President William Abraham was elated in seeing one of the team’s brightest talents leaving the club for pastures news in a professional environment. “Alasana leaving us to sign a professional contract with FK Železiarne Podbrezová goes on to further reaffirm our club’s commitment in changing the lives of Gambian talents. The process for his transfer started for more than a year ago when he was loaned to the second division playing for Jam City FC,” Abraham said. “A lot of people won’t know but we had a club for him before where he was going to go on trial but was rejected with a visa, despite the disappointment, he put up a strong mentality and came back to Real de Banjul after his loan to consistently perform for us and become one of the best players in the league this season, a player like that deserves commending and I’m happy we could finally make his dream come true by transferring him to Podbrezová, which is a top club in a good league,” Abraham concluded by saying. Yirajang on his part thanked the club for the opportunity of turning professional and wished his current teammates all the best of luck. He said: “I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire Real de Banjul Executive, my coaches and teammates for all the help and support they gave me during my time at the club. I leave the club as a player but will continue to support it as a fan. I encourage my teammates to finish the job we started and I pray all of them also get their opportunities soon to sign professional contracts.” The general manager of Podbrezová, Miroslav Poliaček, explained the process his club took in securing the signature of Yirajang saying that: “We went to look at him and clearly decided that he is the player we want to acquire. It took half a year as we waited for everything to be resolved formally and luckily it was done.” Poliaček added that Yirajang is: “an offensive player who is characterized by great dynamism and I believe that he will again bring something to our game that will make our play more attractive. We definitely rely on that, as he is currently one of the best scorers in the Gambian league and I believe that he will be able to show his skills here as well!” Before his departure, Yirajang was last month voted as both the league’s Player of the Month and Real de Banjul fan player of the month. Everyone at Real de Banjul…

Real de Banjul has taken the initiative to house twelve of the club’s teenagers and youngsters to permanently at the Kerr Real complex. The initiative has been a long standing plan the club has had in its long list of projects to be implemented in the future. The first batch of players housed at the club’s headquarters consist of youngsters Mustapha Nyassi, Assan Gibba, Assan Corr, Muhammed Suso, Abdurahman Badamosi, Ousman Chorr, Sheikh Jaw, Pa Yusupha Jammeh, Alasana Badjie, Baboucarr Touray, Musa Barjo and Musa Gibba. The initiative to camp these young talents is necessitated with the fact to closely monitor them, provide them with daily numerous training routines and nutrition that will help them to rapidly develop their football knowledge and sharpen their skills before eventually moving on to the professional level. Club President William Abraham described the initiative as a pilot program to improve the pace of the players’ development saying that: “The objective of the club is to develop these players faster because these players are training once a day for two to three hours a day and that is not enough.” “So we decided that these are the future players of the club and on the market for transfers, that is why we are investing money to accommodate them. This is a try out to see whether we will succeed with their development.” He added: “During this period, these players will be provided with numerous training sessions, gym, swimming, walks and more activities. We also want to develop the discipline, attitudes of these players and prepare them even more. We want to invite people of different works of life to talk to these players on occasions to inject the needed inspiration about life in them.” “The accommodation at Kerr Real can take up to 36 players so we will later decide whether to increase the number or to lower it,” Abraham concluded.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that defender Yaya Bojang has completed a permanent move to Odense Boldklub in the Danish Superliga. Bojang, who was initially on a season long-loan at Odense, signed a contract that will see him stay at the Funen-based club until the summer of 2027. The 19-year-old was grateful to Real de Banjul who gave him the chance to go Denmark initially on trial, and then accepted a free loan deal for him before eventually securing a permanent transfer for him. “I want to thank Real de Banjul so much because when I got the opportunity to come here (to OB Odense) on trials, Real needed me and even the then Head Coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko wanted me to complete the season but the management told him that I have to go because this is my opportunity and they cannot delay me,” Yaya, who was born in the village of Manduar, said. He added: “I know many players find it difficult to adapt here (in Europe) when they come from the Gambia but for me I have to say I came with the mentality that I will impress because I have the stubbornness to cope. I have had it so easy for me since I came here. I didn’t have any problems and the people here have been good to me, when they gave me the chance to train with the first team and played in a Cup game, I impressed because I think I played well in that game. So, I have to say that at OB, it was easy for me to adapt quickly. I know where I come from so that also motivated me a lot!” Real de Banjul Club President, William Abraham, praised Yaya for his leadership and wished him well. “Yaya is a very calm, hardworking and focused player. He always told me that one day he will be a pro and he has done it. We wish him all the best and hope that he will continue like his elders (other Real de Banjul players) did to inspire more players to be professionals,” Abraham said. Everyone at Real de Banjul will like to thank Yaya Bojang for his services during his time with us and wish him all the best in his future.

Real de Banjul defender Makaira Tambedou says he grateful to be back and is ready to serve the City Boys who supported his recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury he suffered. The centre-back, who has now fully recovered from the ACL injury he suffered in 2021, had a successful loan spell at Elite United last season before returning fully fit to play for Real de Banjul where he has seem to have formed a solid partnership with David Sambou at the heart of the defense, as the two marshalled the champions’ back-line with two consecutive clean sheets in two league matches. Speaking to club media after two outstanding outings for the City Boys, the tall, commanding and powerful center, said he is elated to be back playing for the club he feels indebted to. “I feel great to be back playing for Real de Banjul, a club that I can say is the reason why I’m able to play again by helping me do my operation on my knee which was an ACL, so the club deserves my service and I’m willing to be part of the team to defend the championship InshAllah (God willing) with all my heart,” Tambedou said. Makaira feels the clean sheets recorded after the two games are no flukes and they deserved praise for them. He said: “The victories with clean sheets shows how united we are as defenders and how determined we’re during the training, because as the coach will say his weakness is the defenders which is a motivation word for us to work hard as a team. So, we hope we continue working extra hard with the help of the gaffer who’s behind how we play as a back four.” He said going on loan to Elite United last season helped build his confidence and made him ready to return to Real de Banjul: “I never regret going on loan and even more to a second division team, which is Elite United, a club that help me build my confidence back with the help of the coaches there who had the believe in me. Everything paid off and the loan move was the perfect plan for me. So I am good to go as I’m Real For Real!” Head Coach Ebrima Jatta commented on the return of Makaira Tambedou saying that: “When I came to Real de Banjul, he was at home nursing his injury but did pop up time to time to the training ground. He returned last season when he recovered but he was sent on loan at Elite United. Disappointingly for me, I couldn’t watch him play during his loan at Elite United. So he came back (to Real de Banjul) when I’m the head coach, and I was still thinking if he can make the team.” Coach Jatta added: “I even considered sending him back on loan but as we progressed into the preseason, I could see certain qualities in him of which I really like…

Head Coach Ebrima Jatta said he expected a difficult first half against Greater Tomorrow which was why the players had to sit back and close the gaps behind the ball to stop them from scoring on Sunday evening. The reigning champions maintained their perfect start to their title defense season with a late goal from Muhammed Suso enough to secure the three points at the Box Bar mini stadium in Brikama against Greater Tomorrow. Speaking to the club’s media, Head Coach, Ebrima Jatta said that: “Going into the game against Greater Tomorrow, I personally knew it was going to be a very difficult game for us especially in the first half knowing fully well that they’re playing at home with a park full of their supporters. With their movements and touches, all we had to do was sit back and study them, close the gaps behind the ball and stop them from scoring.” He added: “We lacked that creativity when we had possession. You can also see gaps between our midfield and the offensive third when we lost the balls and allowed the opponent to play the ball without being pressured coming to our defense line and making those dangerous passes. But with all that we had the composure to close the gaps to stop them from making those penetrative passes, we forced them to play through the wings and send in crosses knowing that we have very solid defenders who are good in aerial duels.” On the perfect start after winning the first two games, Jatta alias ‘Giggs’ said: “The perfect start to the season continues with no goal conceded, that is our main objective. Personally, I hate to concede goals – perhaps from set pieces which is going to be a gamble but I will hate to see my defense line been broken into pieces and scored through open play.” He added: “My style of football is to make sure every player on the pitch masters their responsibilities to their fingertips, that way whenever situations arises, you’ll know what to do but it is my responsibility to teach them that. It is a good start to the season, I hope it continues.” “Since I came to Real de Banjul one and half season ago, winning three games in a row was a bit difficult for us to achieve and last year we recorded a hat-trick of loses which is against the culture of Real de Banjul, I’m fully aware and I’m trying to avert those situation. We have two wins out of two and we hope that when Steve Biko comes visiting, we get another victory again.” Real de Banjul will host Steve Biko at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy in Basori on Friday, November 24.

Head Coach Ebrima Jatta says being appointed as the gaffer of Real de Banjul is a new beginning in his coaching career as he led the City Boys to an impressive 2-0 victory over Fortune FC in matchday-one of the 2023/24 GFF Division One League season on Saturday at LYDSA. Ebrima Jatta who is fondly known as ‘Giggs’, was promoted to the role of head coach this season after previously serving under Bye Malleh Wadda as assistant coach for two seasons before working with the Estonian coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko in the same role last season. “I call this a new beginning in my coaching career to coach one of the biggest clubs in The Gambia in Real de Banjul. I want to thank the Real de Banjul management for the trust,” Jatta said after the game. The Champions roared to a good start to their title defense with two beautiful strikes from exciting full-back Mustapha Nyassi and tricky winger, Alasana Yirajang, to deservedly beat Fortune FC. Despite Jatta guiding the City Boys to a flying start at home, he has that said he isn’t satisfied. “I will never be satisfied because I have a philosophy that I am trying to bring to this club like every other coach have theirs. So, I came with mine. I have to be observant especially in the build up, retention of the ball, how to quickly win the ball back, and the players positional movement in the games. It is going to be difficult playing against Real de Banjul. Real de Banjul are very demanding, they have a very, very clear vision. So, as a coach you’ve a serious responsibility,” he said. He added: “I barely sleep at night. I go bed late and wake up as early as 4:00 am to head for training. We have to work hard, a standard is set and we’ve to maintain it, nothing below that standard is acceptable! You either maintain the standard or move it to a higher level, that is our responsibility as coaches. We’ve to develop these players to be ready for the world market and we’ve to compete in the league and try to win it. These are clear objectives of the club”. Jatta described winning the first league game against Fortune FC as a moral booster but credits the whole coaching staff and team for the victory. “Winning our first game against Fortune which is one of the best teams in the Gambia in terms of performance, is a moral booster. Two goals scored, I compliment the players for that, they worked for it and they got us the goals even though they could’ve scored more if they were more focused. For the clean sheet I will take it together with my technical staff. This is how you want to play at Real de Banjul, this is how you want to defend the championship.” Asked what he makes of debut goals for Mustapha and Alasana, Coach Ebrima Jatta said: “Mustapha Nyassi is…

The Executive management of Real de Banjul at the weekend met with the players of the Club where they gave them words of wisdom, advice and their blessings ahead of the new league Division One season in which the City Boys expect to defend its title. The City Boys went to camp at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy in Basori to intensify their preparation ahead the new Gambia Football Federation (GFF) 2023/24 League Division One season which is scheduled to commence in November. Bakary K. Jammeh, the 2nd Vice President of the Club, while addressing the players, said that: “You are all equal here. Yes, there might be seniority within but you all have the same privileges and opportunities here. It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior player, young, first or last to join the club you’re all Real de Banjul.” He added: “To the new players, welcome to the family. Once you’re Real, you’re always Real de Banjul. Whether you’re there or not because an idea is a philosophy. So, in this camp it is important that anyone that comes here should know that this is an idea, because what I am certain about is that before this season ends, there will be players who will not be here and will sign professional contracts, so please feel at home, belong here, fight for these colors, because it’ll not only help you to go professional but also to those that will replace you.” “It will be like you’ve helped yourself and maintained the same platform. It doesn’t matter where you coming from, you’re here today, in the biggest and best club in The Gambia! Take it from me, by the end of next season God willing, there’ll be more players leaving because all of you here have the potential to turn professional. Selling players is our philosophy just as winning titles are also our philosophy. We will never settle down without achieving both like we did last season. I wish us all the best of luck in this season of 2023/24 to win the league and with many of you players turning professional football players,” Jammeh ended. Among those present in the gathering was Ebrima Barry who was part of the people that stood firm and contributed immensely towards the existence of Real de Banjul. Addressing the team, Barry said: “Real de Banjul is like a cult, once you’re in, your cannot leave. But this is for you (players), our time have passed but you people know what football can bring now. You can do it, it’s just a matter of effort and knowing what football can benefit you. If you sacrifice to come here and camp for more than nine days to wait for the season to come, you should show your talent. If you devote your time and decade a full year to become a professional player, you will do it.” “What’s important in football is to have the basics, the rest is working hard and dedication…

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce the signing of three exciting talents in Ousman Chorr, Alasana Saidy and Abdoulie Camara all from Lamin. Winger Ousman Chorr was scouted at this season’s Lamin Sports Development Association Nawettan competition while winger Alasana Saidy and left-back Abdoulie Camara are signed from the renowned Lamin-based Universal Football Academy. Winger Alasana Saidy was on loan to Hart FC from Universal Academy where he helped the Jarra-based outfit to gain promotion to the GFF Division Two League and played a key role in helping them consolidate their position there in their debut appearance in the GFF League Division Two last season. Left-back Abdoulie Camara was loaned to Jarra West where he played a key role in helping the Lower River Region side avoid relegation from the second tier of Gambian league football last season. The trio were all invited to take part in our five-day closed-door trial that was held at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy in Basori during which they caught the eyes of our technical team. Coach Ebrima Jatta who oversaw the trial in which the trio impressed says he is excited about our recent additions, saying that: “the objective of Real de Banjul is to recruit more talented players to replace the sold players and for the future.” “These kids (Ousman Chorr, Alasana Saidy and Abdoulie Camara) all passed through a rigorous assessment and out of over sixty trialists, they were able to make it to the list of selected players. The trio possesses top qualities in their various departments,” Jatta said. He added that: “Talent is something that needs very good protection and perfect guidance. During their moment of trials, we saw commitment as players within the moment of games. If they focus on the process and are given proper care with good training, they’ll become great with good performances and they won’t only add to our numbers but they will bring top qualities to Real de Banjul!” Everyone at Real de Banjul welcomes the trio to the club with open arms and wish them the best of luck.

Adama Njie, the son of late Real de Banjul icon, Saihou Momodou Njie, has signed for the club on a three-year contract, joining from second division side Kanifing East FC. The tall lanky midfielder was elated to follow in the footsteps of his father, Saihou Momodou Njie, who was the first goalkeeper of Real de Banjul in 1966 and also one of the founding members of the club. Adama could not hide achieving his dream of signing for the City Boys saying that: “I’m proud to follow my father’s footsteps in playing for Real de Banjul. To be honest it is a dream come true for me because Real de Banjul is one of the best teams in the league and in the country, it wasn’t a difficult decision because I feel like this is the right time for me to join the club.” Asked whether he feels ready for the demands and challenges that comes with being a Real de Banjul player, Njie said; “I’m ready to compete in the highest level of Gambian football, I know Real de Banjul is a top team with top players with high demands but I’m ready for this challenge in my career. I’m very, very, excited to represent this club and I can’t wait to meet my new mates and the whole squad.” Adama, who is a defensive midfielder but also versatile and comfortable playing the left centre-back role, said that he is a “box to box midfielder with high energy on and off the ball”. He added that: “I’ll give my all for the team to try and win all the trophies available, I believe with the help of God and the support from our fans, we can do it!” Real de Banjul Club President William Abraham was an elated man after seeing the son of a club icon putting pen to paper and following in his father’s footsteps. “I feel very, very delighted to see the son of an ex-Real de Banjul player and one of the founding members, join our club. Although we will love to see our kids grow up through our academy systems and rise to the highest level, which is the first team in the first division, this is what we are trying and hopefully one day, we will succeed,” he said. He added: “I hope Adama will follow the footsteps of his father who was a real gentleman, he was very dedicated to the club up to the time he left us and sadly passed away. Ever since he (the late Saihou Momodou Njie) was always one of the advisers to the club, he was a great man and always spoke about patience, togetherness and continuity. These were his words whenever we sat down in a gathering with the elders of the club.” “So, this (signing Adama Njie), for me is a great achievement definitely to see the son of a former Real de Banjul great join us. I would like to thank Kanifing East…