|
Momodou
Denmark
11792 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Jul 2007 : 01:58:53
|
The Njogu Demba Example
By Modou Nyang
Establishing a football academy for the nurturing of the skills and talents of the young of this country, Njogu Demba has demonstrated his true love for his homeland.
Demba is the first serving Gambian footballer, a professional for that matter to help put in place the structure we so much lack in this highly soccer talented country. What the Gambia is missing is the education that kids require at the early ages of 6, 7 and 8 up to 12; the formative years for many a successful footballer. There are of course exceptions, but the process has to be followed without anything left to chance. And the material at hand is at abundance – the talent possessed by the kids of this country is second to none on planet earth.
And Njogu’s intervention in this sphere is in the right direction – one that needs to be emulated by other professionals. Those that are fortunate to have benefited from the highly organised clubs of Europe who are endowed with the facilities and technological wherewithal, should lead the processes of facilitating the technological transfer of the technique and material needed to get us to the next level of our football development.
We have recently witnessed the emergency of the Cherno Samba football academy and the like and also the sprouting-up of some organised clubs (Ham Ham and Seaview) but Njogu’s attempt stands out. He knows how it is being done in Europe and (may) have the funds to keep the academy breathing, and moreover the influence among his peers to follow suit and emulate his wonderful example. His pals, Mathew Mendy and Assan Jatta who were at hand to brighten the launching ceremony of the academy, must have their psyche pricking at that moment.
The needed model:
Unless we start seeing our pros knocking it out at some of the high wage paying leagues in Europe, this formula will suffice, as no single one of them may be able to carry the full burden of maintaining a full fledge soccer academy. Three or more players could pool resources together and put up a top structure to help offset the burden of maintain such big projects. That wonderful ‘baby’ will be capable of enrolling a lot of kids and provide them with all they need to develop their talents and also fend for their academic needs to prepare them for an alternative in the future. The project will be entrusted to capable administrators and technical personnel to man, with clear and strict regulations governing their operation.
This in my humble belief will catapult our footballing capacities to the highest and guaranty us regular places at top soccer gatherings. This method will surely put us some where near the fancied facilities being put up in other African countries by successful players like Patrick Vieira’s in neighbouring Senegal. And for igniting the process, Njogu Demba is in the right direction.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 86/2007, 25-26 July, 2007
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
Topic Locked
