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.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that it has completed the signing of young talented forward Omar Joof, who joins the club effective immediately. Sukuta-born Omar Joof is an exciting forward who joins us from relegated side Gamtel Football Club and he was over the moon to sign for the best club in the country. “I feel so great and happy to sign for the biggest club in the Gambia. The time I got contacted that Real de Banjul is interested in me, I was so happy and emotional. I said: “Wow, this is so great for my career and it’s great delight that a club like Real is interested in me,” he told the club’s official media. He added: “To be honest, it didn’t take me long to make my final decision and decide to join the club. I sat with my family and discussed the matter with them and I made it clear to them that I want to join Real de Banjul, they applauded me and supported my choice.” The mesmerising forward described signing for the City Boys as a dream come true for him saying that: “The move at first came as a surprise but signing for Real de Banjul is a dream come true for me. I know I was doing well for my former team, Gamtel FC and that’s part of the reasons Real came for me, so I will work so hard to achieve their expectations. I hope I can deliver for the club and from there I can turn professional with the help of the club as that is my dream.” Mr. Bakary K. Jammeh, the 2nd Vice President of Real de Banjul says the club will continue to make the dreams of young talented players come true and it is a delight to welcome Omar into the club. “Real de Banjul always give young players the opportunity to live their dreams of making a career out of football. As a Club, we are happy to welcome Omar Joof to our squad and we will help him grow to be the professional player he wants to be,” Jammeh said. Everyone at Real de Banjul welcomes Omar Joof to the Real de Banjul family with open arms.

Real de Banjul is delighted to announce that it has completed the signing of youngster Buba Sey who joins the club effective immediately. Buba is described as one of the best talents to emerge from Basse, in the Upper River Region of the Gambia and his signing is seen as a good addition to the club after the club beat other suitors for his signature. The talented forward was delighted after putting pen to paper with Real de Banjul and says he’s over the moon to join the biggest club in the Gambia. “It feels great to sign for the biggest club in the country, Real de Banjul FC, and what makes me happy is that it’s a dream come true for me to join the club because for me, Real de Banjul has always been the club I always wanted to play for,” Sey said in an interview with the club’s official website. He described how the move to Real de Banjul came through saying: “I was very happy and proud of myself when the first contact to me was made. I said to myself this is a dream come true and I can’t miss this one. Before Real de Banjul came into the picture, many other teams were following and interested in me but I had already decided that my heart was with this club.” Asked about what inspired him to choose Real de Banjul out of the many clubs that wanted his signature, Sey, said: “Well, as I said earlier, it is my dream club in the country and when they came, I didn’t think twice; secondly my mentor and a player who I always look up to, Bubacarr ‘Steve’ Trawally, passed through Real de Banjul having a good record playing for the team until he became professional, I also want to achieve that.” The teenager concluded by adding that: “I can’t wait to start playing for Real de Banjul and to do what I love the most, scoring and assisting goals and to win trophies for the team.” Club President William Abraham says it’s exciting that the club was able to secure the teenager’s signature and most especially, the fact we could sign a talented youngster from rural Gambia. “We are very excited to sign a player that comes from the upper part of The Gambia in Basse to join Real de Banjul. He’s a good signing but for now we will see how he progresses when he joins the team for training. We are very happy to sign a talent that was wanted by many clubs and I want to say we are welcoming Buba to the club and wishing him good luck with us and we also hope he will come in and settle in quickly and ready for the season.” Everyone at Real de Banjul will like to welcome Buba Sey to the Club and wish him well during his time with us.

Real de Banjul Football Club is delighted to announce the transfer of talented youngster Salifu Colley to South African top-tier side Stellenbosch Football Club. Salifu, fondly called ‘Bayerno’, signs a contract with Stellenbosch, a club also known as the ‘Stellies’, until the end of June 2026. The talented and versatile youngster, who is a hugely popular figure around the club and the country, left the shores of the country last week to complete the move to the South African DStv Premiership club. He leaves the City Boys after guiding us to our thirteenth GFF League Division One title. The same season also saw him become a Gambia U20 squad member, featuring for the country at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt and Argentina respectively. “We are delighted that another youngster and top talent is leaving us to go play professional football abroad. Salifu is a player who has been with us for a long time, coming through the ranks but was patient enough to wait for his chance to play for Real de Banjul and since he’s got it, he took it with both hands which got him opportunities,” Club President William Abraham said of the transfer. He added: “As always with Real de Banjul players, Salifu has also been one that wasn’t short of interest. We received several interests for him from Danish, Moldovan, UAE, Swedish and American clubs but all were either for trials or just mere interests/inquiries and it was only Stellenbosch, who have been following us for him since March and after the World Cup in Argentina, that tabled an offer directly without any trials or inquiries.” “So after his exploits and success with us, we decided it was best we had him go start his professional football career. Stellenbosch is a club good at developing talents and they’ve recently sold three players in this same window to the MLS and in Europe, I believe Salifu can also follow the same path,” President Abraham concluded. For his part, the Stellenbosch FC head coach Steve Barker, said: “Salifu is a young and talented footballer who has done exceptionally well in the last year, having excelled at the U20 World Cup and U20 AFCON. He’s a very exciting talent and we are very pleased to have brought him on board and for the opportunity to help him develop and reach his full potential.” Salifu, who will wear the number 11 jersey at Stellenbosch, was grateful to the Real de Banjul management for the opportunity and also thanked his teammates and coaches for making him a better player. “I want to thank all the Real de Banjul Executive and I am happy they gave me this chance to start my professional career. Many thanks also goes to my coaches and teammates at Real de Banjul as without them, this may not have been possible. They were important in helping me becoming better as a player. I wish nothing but…

Real de Banjul Football Club at the weekend held its end of season club meeting after the completion of the 2022/23 GFF League Division One season which saw the club clinch its 13th league title. The annual end of season meeting was held at the Oasis Apartments in Senegambia as the club’s management addressed its heroic City Boys on their triumphant season and on other more important subjects. The City Boys ended their wait to reclaim the league title that eluded them since 2014 as the club management’s decision in hiring a foreign coach in Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko, came to fruition. In addressing his champion boys, Club President William Abraham said. “I will like to congratulate everybody on winning the league title. I pray to God to reign peace and health on everyone. We are very happy and proud as the season was difficult with tensions and disagreements here and there but at the end of the day, we all wear the same white color as one family.” Abraham added: “We have come very far, from the Real de Banjul players training separately, in Banjul and in Serrekunda for lacking fares to transport the players to train together to now owning a football complex and a team bus. We continue to work harder to further develop this club even more. As we speak we are working on moving five players abroad God willing, and those payers were not chosen by me or I tell any agent to come for any specific player, the players sell themselves. If I get it my way, I will first sell all the more senior players or all of you.” Our Club supremo advised the players to avoid unscrupulous people who approach them as football agents saying that: “Football is more organized now; every player needs what you call a Transfer Matching System (TMS) to complete transfers. There are a lot of criminals in football. I will not stop any player from moving abroad but there is no player who can force his way out of the club; I want to make that very clear!” He added: “We (Real de Banjul) have the means to move players any time. So, let’s show respect to each other and watch-out for fake agents who have no license to transfer you and are misleading you. Any agent that comes to us asking for a player, we will let you go but it has to be in the right way. Agents have approached our players at national duties but whenever they do, those players direct them to us and that is the right thing to do.” Abraham concluded by advising the players that: “Today you (the players) are here travelling to Basori to train and play games at the Live Your Dream Sports Academy (LYDSA). It is disheartening to see some players return home on holidays and claim that Basori is too far to go and train, I really don’t want to hear that from any of you who will…

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:…

Alasana Camara says he feels finally settled at Real de Banjul after scoring match-winning goals in successive games for the City Boys against Gamtel FC and PSV Wellingara. The attacking midfielder and winger, who is enjoying a breakthrough season at Real de Banjul under Estonian coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko, has netted three crucial goals which turned to be winners against his former club, Hawks FC, recently against Gamtel FC and PSV Wellingara respectively. He was elated after his match-winning goal against PSV saying: “I am very happy to score the winner for my teammates, the coaches and fans of Real de Banjul.” The left-footed midfielder is finally enjoying a breakthrough season with the City Boys after joining the club two seasons ago. He said: “My first season in Real de Banjul was very difficult, I could only play five times. I was sent on loan in my second season and it was tough but I am very happy and I feel settled now after playing week-in-week-out this season.” The teenager joined the City Boys with a winger profile but the coming of Zahovaiko saw him play through the middle or behind the striker. “Slava (Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko) started playing me in midfield because he believed I can perform there. He told me not to keep the ball long and that has helped me a lot. Slava has changed a lot about me and that is really helping my development,” the lethal left-footer said of his role change. Alasana who’s fondly called ‘Forlan’ for his shooting prowess, has also earned recognition from the Gambia U-23 where he also scored in a friendly against FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina-bound Gambia U-20s. This is what Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko have to say on Alasana Camara’s development under him so far. “We had a good conversation with Alasana last year in December. It was a man to man talk. I saw immediately that he has talent. The problem was his attitude and lack of discipline but I am very happy for him because after the talk, Alasana started working hard and changed his mentality and attitude as well.” Slava added: “We set goals for the season together and now I am happy that he is working on that direction. After moving him to midfield, we saw what he is capable of. Alasana is a very creative player with good vision and technique as well. I am sure he can do more in the final zone. He can initiate good attacks by pass or fast driving. And he has also good nose for goal scoring positioning.” “He has been improving his shooting technique and he is a very important player for our team. He is a good example for everyone in our team. He is aggressive in defense and working hard every day for teammates. He is smart and an intelligent player. I hope he continues growing.”

Real de Banjul Assistant Coach Ebrima Jatta says the City Boys had to change their approach after successive defeats to claim two successive victories against Gamtel FC and PSV Wellingara. Real de Banjul suffered three successive defeats Falcons FC, Marimoo FC and Samger FC respectively before bouncing back to victories over Gamtel FC and PSV Wellingara. “I thank the Almighty Allah that we are very much back to winning ways. Real de Banjul is a big club and going through three defeats is unacceptable,” assistant Ebrima Jatta who was tasked with media duties by head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko, said after the win over PSV Wellingara. Coach Ebrima, commonly known as ‘Giggs’ went on to praise the club’s executive for intervening during the drop in form by motivating the team and vowed that the City Boys are still playing to win the league. “We appreciate the motivation the club executive gave the team, it has also helped. The motivational speeches from coaches and everyone really helped. We will go game by game but we are playing to win the league because we are Real de Banjul!” Jatta also reserved some praise for the players for their performances in the last two games saying: “The player’s showed dedication and commitment to duties. They fought tooth-and-nail in making sure they get the maximum three points.” He added: “The coming games will not be easy but this is Real de Banjul, we like to play in big games. Our most difficult games are against so-called ‘smaller teams’ but when we play against sides that want to compete us, it’s easy.” The City Boys lie second on the league table, five points behind Falcons FC who have played a game less. After playing at home after three games, the City Boys will go away again to play Greater Tomorrow on Tuesday, 16th May at the Box-Bar mini Stadium in Brikama.

Real de Banjul Football Club is delighted to announce the transfer of defender Yaya Bojang on a six-month loan deal to Danish Superliga club Odense Boldklub. Defender Bojang, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, was on trial in Odense where he impressed the club’s coaching staff who have now found an agreement with Real de Banjul for a loan with a buying option. Bojang will start with the Odense U19 team before eventually promoted to the club’s first team. Club President, William Abraham, was elated with the move of Yaya, saying it is a continuation of the work and reputation the club has had in Denmark over the years. “We as a club are happy for Yaya who deserves this chance. His qualities as a defender speaks for itself and we are happy he’s had this chance which I’m positive he will take with both hands,” Abraham said. Abraham added: “Odense is a good club that is beginning to be successful with Gambian players and I’m sure Yaya will not be an exception. I know what he can do and I know he will be a gem for OB.” The 18-year-old Bojang meanwhile says he’s happy with the chance to play professional football and thanked Real de Banjul for the opportunity. “I’m grateful to Real de Banjul for the chance and I can’t thank them enough. The management, coaches and my teammates have been helpful and all contributed to making me the player I am today – I thank them and wish the team all the best of luck for the rest of the season.” Yaya will officially join Odense on 1 July and will play for them until 31 December after which his buy option can be exercised. Everyone at Real de Banjul will like to wish Yaya all the best as he begins his professional football career with Odense.