Gambia writes history, Senegal made it through

Gambia writes history, Senegal made it through

The Zone II sub-zonal pool 2 continental qualifications for beach volleyball came to a historic end on Sunday in Dakar, Senegal after Gambian teams booked qualification to the proper zonal qualification for Rio Olympics.  The Gambia tops the female group after beaten Senegal in the female round robin. The Gambia gained 12 points from 4 games leaving the host with 0 points. Mauritania and Cape Verde did not present females teams consequently the Gambia became the new leaders in Zone II pool 2 female standings.

 

Saffie Sawaneh, Abie Kujabi, Sainabou Tambedou and Fatoumatta Ceesay adore the national colors in front of hundreds of spectators. This is the first time the Gambia won Senegal in such competition and in back-back victories. The Gambia male teams were outdone by the host in the round robin securing 9 points with the Gambia 3points. Gambia bounces back in day two of the competition by beaten Cape Verde islands 3-1 in four games thus cementing their fate with 12 points from 8 games. Malick Jammeh, Babucarr Jarra, Alieu Barry and Pa Ali Njie gave the Gambia the historic victories.  Senegal gained qualification after beaten Cape Verde Islands to top the standings with 15 points whiles Cape Verde earned 6 points.

 

I am proud of my ladies, said Gambian coach Alagie Babou Joof. We manage to control the game with good balance of threat and control. Our strategic to control the Senegalese player worked very well. Our target is to see Gambia in Rio for the Olympic Games and today I am the proudest Gambia Joof conclude.

 

I usually need some time in the starting of the games to inspired and motivate my team mates Malick Jammeh captain for Gambia said. However my team mate helped me a lot to play on my best level and today we are through to the zone level and we are not stopping there, raising the national colors of the Gambia is our target now.

The Senegalese coach Seck Mbye applauded the Gambia team and said he was surprised on the performances the Gambia showed. To be honest Gambia was tip as the underdog but they proved everyone wrong so congratulations to the Gambia Mbye stated.

The Gambia female team was decorated with gold medal and trophy and the Senegalese counterparts with silver medalist. The Senegalese male team wins the gold medals with a trophy and the Gambia as first runners up got silver and the third runners up Cape Verde got the bronze

Victory was merited for the Gambia and they will hope this is the first of many victories to come, this term and beyond, it was indeed the parting result for Alagie Babou Joof would have wanted, or deserved, as there was entertainment all the way. As he waved to the opposite fans, The Gambian teams travel to Senegal as rising stars and returned to the Gambia as super star.

 

Day 1 Male

Gambia A v Senegal B

(21-17, 17-21, 15- 10)

Gambia B v Senegal A

(11-21, 17-21)

Senegal A v Gambia A

(19-21, 21-19, 15-13)

Senegal B v Gambia B

(16-21, 21-17, 15-11)

Day 2 Female

Gambia B v Senegal A

(21-17, 25-23)

Gambia A v Senegal B

(21-7, 21-6)

Gambia A v Senegal A

(21-18, 11-21, 15-9)

Gambia B v Senegal B

(22-20, 21-10)

Male

Gambia A v Cape Verde B

(21-19, 23-21, 15-10)

Gambia B v Cape Verde A

(21-17, 17-21, 5-15)

Gambia A v Cape Verde A

(21-16, 21-12)

Gambia B v Cape Verde B

(21-23, 21-17, 15-9)

Day 3 male

Senegal A v Cape Verde B

(16-21, 21-13, 15-13)

Cape Verde A v Senegal B

(21-16, 21-17)

Senegal A v Cape Verde A

(21-18, 21-12)

Senegal B v Cape Verde B

(19-21, 21-23)

Male Qualification

Senegal, Gambia

Female Qualification

Gambia, Senegal

Muhammed L Saidykhan

Press Officer- GVBA

 

 

 

 

 

MJ Finance Through to the Finals

MJ Finance sealed a place in the finals of the 2014 national beach volleyball nawetan on Wednesday – and in some style – as MJ, inspired by Ousainou Jatta, romped to a 2-0 win (21-18, 21-14) over Serekunda East at Pocoloco.
MJ Finance were perhaps not quite as sharp as in the previous games, not quite as commanding in defence, but found a way to win and head back to Jeshwang with five wins from five under Musa Darbo – and a place in the historic final on Sunday.
Serrekunda East was on top but, in the space of 5 minutes, MJ turned the game on its head. First Malick Njie who had been relatively quiet began dinking the ball over the net to cramped out the volume at the beach, SK to their credit manage a tight point difference at the end trailing MJ with 3 points.
The SK boys resume to the second set with purpose and urgency. The confident after scoring 5 straight points over MJ kick started their contest but one of the country’ best attackers Ousainou Jatta quickly found his rhythm putting Malick Njie in the middle in promising positions. Serrekunda east did their utmost best to bounce back, but could not cope with the precision and the speed of their MJ opponents, at that moment of the gold medal clash. After 15 minutes, MJ Finance closed it out 2-14 in their favor.
The September 28th finals are set between Gamtel/cel and MJ Finance in the male’s category and GAF will square off against Gamtel/cel in the females.

Gamtel/Gamcel Win big against Resolute Interior

Gamtel/Gamcel female and male volleyball team sailed to the finals of the 2014 Beach Volleyball Nawetan after a surprising historic win against Interior by 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) in the male game and 2-0 (22-20 21-13) in the female category in a historic and colorful match played at Pocoloco Beach on Sunday. Outstanding hitter Sainabou Tambedou was the main factor of the victory not only with the countless points she scored to come as the match scorer, but also with her leadership and essence with the unproven Isatou Sanneh. From the police side Amie Gaye was her team scorer with Fatoumatta Ceesay’s flare.
The first set was the most rousing part of the match as the police lost several set points before Gamtel/Gamcel girls won after a inspiring come back 22-20. After wards Interior lost the inspirations, while Gamtel/Gamcel played their best to win widely the second sets). Gamtel/cel male team will know their fate on Wednesday when MJ Finance entertains Serekunda east.
In the other semifinals GAF female side overwhelmed GFRS 2-0 (21-12 21-3). Incredible duo Saffie Sawaneh and Abie Kujabi had the result beyond doubt, and a somewhat unassertive second set was handed without major occurrence as GAF settle victory in a contented fashion. Fire services to their merit put up a stiff resistance against a side that hardly loss but Cop Bargie’s Technical knowhow suspended the Lamin Fatty’ girls ultimately GAF setting September 28th cracking final against the transform Gamtel/cel.
The last semi between SK East and MJ Finance was called off as the sun faded upon us thus leaving Gamtel/cel wondering to know their opponents, notwithstanding their faith will be clear on Wednesday.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL ENTER WEEK 2

MJ Finance satisfying start to the 2014 GVBA BVB Nawettan continued to flourish after recording another victories in week 2 of the ongoing beach Nawettan championships. In the opening match MJ Finance pulled off a straight sets win (21-10, 21-4) over newcomers Prisons on Friday Having weathered an early storm at the beach, Omar Dabo’s side win the first set with impressive play from Ousainou Jatta. Babucarr Jarra was at his best in the second set and the prison officers were pulled off in the ephemeral.
The second game on Friday evening saw Banjul Academy been beating GFRS in another straight sets win (21-13, 21-19) in the female category and the last game of the game between GFRS boys and Police was settled 2sets to nil (21-15, 21- 4) in police favors.
On Saturday, Lamin Bargie guided GAF female team to another famous victory over Jegan Ndong Gamcel Gamtel in a straight 2 sets (21-18, 21- 12). The soldiers controlled the match through their dominance in all the skills as they overwhelmed the blocking action against the less experience telecom giants it was far a difference story in the male game against Banjul Academy, Sanu Secka and Alieu Barry were constant in attack and blockings options and Banjul Academy were punish ( 21-17, 21- 10) in 2set thriller
And finally on Sunday at the jam packed pocoloco beach MJ Finance again beat Pa Barrows Brikama 2-0 (21-14, 21-16). Brikama, meanwhile, continued to attack with purpose on the break and had some decent points. But the league champion were dominant in their movements and the west coast giants battle for a salvation but Babucarr Jarra overwhelming volleys muted the travelling fans. In the second game of the day fire services girls beat prisons girls 2-1 (21-19, 8-21, 18-16), Brikama lost to Banjul Academy 2sets to nil (21-14, 21-7) making it a very disappointing weekend for Gaffer Pa Barrow and ultimately on the super weekend Police ran over prisons in a straight sets win (21-9, 21-13)

The Week that show Great Ambience

Gamtel/cel’s Sanu Secka and Alieu Barry had proved again that their form in the National Beach Volleyball Nawetan is unyielding after their famous victory against the indomitable GAF on Friday. Coach Jegan Ndong ensured victory was secured and, it was perhaps a great result on reflection for Gamtel/cel as they become the first side to beat the soldiers since there disgraceful league defeat to Jeshwang in April. The telecoms giants wrap up victory in 2sets thriller 21-9 21-13 and left Sgt Saikou Omar Bargie apprehensive.
The female soldiers console their male counterparts after beating SK/East 2-0 21-14 21-17 in the second match of the day. The female soldiers started brightly with impressive volleys from Saffie Sawaneh and Abi Kujabi. GAF who – unlike their opponents – had quick and powerful attacking options, were a constant danger throughout the game, it took them 20 minutes to complete the game.
On Saturday, Lamin Fatty’s Fire services beat Prisons 2-0 21-17 21-13 in the first kickoff. In the second game and the last tie on Saturday it was an unforgettable night for coach Pa Barrow after seeing his team both males and females losing to Ebrima Nyassi’s Men. In the female sets the police won 2-0 21-6 21-7 and the males as well were beating 2-0 21-16 21-11.
And finally on Sunday Gamtel/cel continue on their fine form after cancelling out SK/east 2-0 21-17 21-16. The telecom pioneers won the first set in a style, and gave Jegan Ndong breathing. In fact Ndong’s side had already looked comfortable before winning the set. They proved far too strong for the SK boys and played some terrific volleys in the second set.
In the second game Prisons yielded their power to Gamtel/cel ladies in a 2sets tie 21-11 21-12 and ultimately wrapping up the super weekend for GVBA GAF recovered their strength to beat Banjul Academy 2-0 21-4 21-17.

Beach Volleyball opens with a win for GAF and Jeshwang

GAF female team won the opening game of the 2014 Beach Volleyball Nawetan after a historic win against 6 time cup winners Interior 2-1 (21-17, 15-11 23-21) in a historic and colorful opener held at Pocoloco Beach on Sunday. GAF added their 3 victory against the police in the year and revenged their cup final defeat last April against Police in a ground breaking 4 set final. On the other hand Police lost their first outing since April this year. Outstanding hitter Abi Kujabi was the key factor of the victory not only with the countless points she scored to come as the match scorer, but also with her leadership and spirit with the experienced setter Saffie Sawaneh. From police side Amie Gaye was her team scorer with Fatoumatta Ceesay’s flare. The second set was the most exciting part of the match as the soldiers lost several set points before Interior won after a thrilling come back 23-21. After wards Interior lost the motivations, while GAF played their best to win widely the third sets.
Jeshwang overwhelmed Gamtel/Gamcel 2-0 (21-18 21-18) in the male opener of the 2014 Beach Nawetan. Remarkable duo Ousainou Jatta and Bubacarr Jarra had the result beyond doubt by the interval, and a relatively unassertive second set passed without major incident as Jeshwang now MJ Finance clinch victory in a comfortable fashion.
Though Gamtel, to their credit, continued to probe for an unlikely route back into the game, Alieu Barry in his debut for the telecom giants lack urgency in his recovering although experience captain Sanu Secka was in dominance, but the attacking openings of Bubacarr Jarra and Ousainou Jatta gave them no letup in defense and the game was settle 2-0 for Jeshwang.
The opening was graced by the former President of GVBA Musa Cassa Taal, DPS, Ministry of Youths and Sports Abdoulie Kah, National Sports Council’s Reps Ebou Secka, MD West Coast Radio Peter Gomez, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lamin Sanyang among other dignitaries.

Qatar Sport Club signed Gambia Teenager

Qatar sport volleyball club has contracted the services of Gambian teenager Amadou Jarju (Amo) former Jeshwang and GAF attacker for an undisclosed fee from Gambia Armed Forces for 5 year. Jarju 17 has been in the Gulf country for a brief trial with the first division side and has satisfied the club’s technical side, undoubtedly contracting him to reinforce their side. The club finishes 4th place in the Qatar’s 2014 volleyball league.
In an exclusive interview with West Coast Radio sports, the17 year old thank both his former employees (GAF and Jeshwang) for their encouragement and shaping his career path. I am very thankful to God for this wonderful opportunity, the trials was hard but thank God I successful completed it and will be playing in the Qatar’s volleyball league in September.
The former Sheik Anta Diop University MVP was quick to describe his feelings of becoming a professional player. I am proud to be a Gambian and am so delighted to get into the bigger league; the league in Qatar and the league in the Gambia are far difference the attacker said. Gambia need to fine-tune, to be honest our league is not comparable to other leagues out there. I will be playing in Qatar this year however, whenever my homeland the Gambia needed my service I will honor the national call Jarju opined.
The road was tuff, but I thank my brother Tijan Janko a Gambia playing for Al-Jaish introduced me to this club and he supported me tirelessly during my stays in the Gulf country. Janko is a great talent he said, we are fortunate to have a great volleyball player like him and he is ever ready to honor national calls upon call ups.
People often criticize the Arabs for racism and other social discrimination against blacks, but I was so fortunate I don’t encounter such things. The climate was so conducive and I enjoyed my trials with the club he told West Coast Radio Sports. Jarju always seized the opportunity requesting for support from various Companies and stakeholders to aid volleyball and sponsor national leagues and help the nation participate in international games.
The game will not take a center stage if we are not expose to international competition so I urges all and sundry most importantly the companies supporting football to come on board and help volleyball in the Gambia Qatar sport club attacker stressed.

Yunusa Barry Secured GVBA hot seat

After months of discussion with volleyball stakeholders, the Gambia Volleyball Association has finally had a new president. Mr Yunusa Barry of Gambia Armed Forces was duly elected unopposed at the Elective Congress at the Friendship hostel in Bakau on June 22nd 2014. Barry took the mantle of leadership from the long serving gaffer Musa Cassa Taal who ran out of favor from the 8 affiliated clubs. Speaking at the congress the former president highlighted his outstanding developments in the sports and he challenges the new comers to be vigilant and unite. He furthermore thanks the Volleyball stakeholders for the confidence and trust they bestow on him for the past 8 years as the head.
Cassa’s 8 years tenure was progressive in the sense that incredible achievements were recorded. The Gambia for the first time took part in the 2012 Beach volleyball Olympic qualifiers and the male team won Bronx, during his term the country participated in All Africa Games, won the U-20 Zone11 volleyball championship. And for the first time the Gambia entered the World volleyball championship qualifiers but did not made it to the finals. The Gambia had two international recognized referees and two professional players plying trade in Qatar. Yunusa Barry’s predecessor Musa Cassa Taal had done well and now the big challenge decent on the 43 year old soldier.
On his maiden speech the newly elected president My Yunusa Barry Thank his boss for the tremendous and tireless efforts he did in volleyball. We are partners in nation building and we will tireless work with the former executives for the interest of the sports. You have done greatly well and you will be remembered in the annals of volleyball in our beloved Gambia and we will still look forward for your guidance and support in achieving success for the Gambia Barry stated. He assured that his executive will work diligently with the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Sports Council, international bodies and all pertinent stakeholders. While thanking the volleyball clubs for the trust bestowed on him to lead the affairs of the game, he assured to live up to expectation, but was quick to stress that it cannot be easy without the support of all the volleyball clubs.
My primary goal is to promote volleyball to every door steps in the Gambia, decentralization is our main target and we will by all means massively involve schools and women. It is also our target to fully participate in all CAVB and FIVB organize competitions and the Gambia will take in all Zones 2 volleyball competitions in all categories. He further stated before the Congress that his executive will increased the number of referees and trained coaches. My Executive will facilitate local and international courses for coaches, referees, administrator, medics etc.
The former Secretary General Bai Doudou the newly elected SG Sainey Jarju all highlighted similar sentiments.

Biography of Yunusa Barry

Born sports devotee on 18 Hill Street Banjul in the winter of 1971, volleyball presidential aspirant Yunusa Barry attended Chamen Lower basic school in the NBR, and then proceeded to St Augustine’s High school where he obtained his O level in 1987 and joined GAF 2 days after he celebrated his 18th birthday January 10th 1988.
Barry 43 started playing volleyball year later after joining the army at Kundang Barracks under the command of Rtd Captain Saikou Omar Faye. He represented the Army in many national and regional competitions. In 1990 he was part of the Confederal Army team that took part in the inter service sports competition held in Senegal. 5 years later he captained the Army volleyball team that participated in the Military World Games in Italy.
He played actively in the biannual National Youth Conference Games NAYCONF for WCR and NBR. In 2001 Barry and the Army won the Volleyball regional Championship held at Zigunchor, he administered the GAF female team that won the 2012 Volleyball championship in Senegal. He backed a Level 1 (one) Volleyball coaching certificate and other national honors.
The 43 year old soldier is also an active football administrator and coach. He headed the GAF sports company for 5 years during which he was the Asst coach of the GAF 1st division team in the National league for 4 years before that he was overseeing the GAF NISA team, during his time in football he attended many coaching courses and clinics.
Furthermore, in community level Barry founded the Nema United football club in 1998, where he coaches the team for 9 years promoting them to the 2nd division in 1999. He served as a Sport Chairman in the village of Nema Kunku and also led the Nawetan committee of the village. He played an important role in the West Coast Region’s adoptive congress which was successfully held sometime last year.
He served in various departments within GAF, i.e. Communication, Sports Company, Training School and he is a member of the Combined Security Service Sports Association. Besides football and volleyball he also represented GAF in Handball and Basketball.
Yunusa Barry is currently residing at Nema Kunku village with his Wife and 6 children (3 boys 3 girls) and he is a member of GAF and presently serving the Republican National Guard and was duly elected president of Gambia Volleyball Association on June 22nd 2014.

GVBA Executive

The following peoples were duly elected on June 22nd 2014 at the GVBA elective congress held at Friendship hostel in Bakau. All the executive members ran UNOPPOSED
President: Mr. Yunusa Barry GAF
V. President: Mr Badou Senghore Gamcel/Gamtel
Secretary General: Alfusainey Jarju SK East
Assist Secretary General: Lamin A. Jammeh Brikama
Treasurer: Marie Wadda NDEA
Auditor: Alagie Ceesay Interior
Media Officer: Muhammed L Saidykhan
Members:
Pa Doudou Sarr GFRS
Nancy Louis Gamtel/Gamcel
Yankuba Manjang Jeshwang