Former Gambian international now a seasoned banker, Buba Janneh known in the football cycles as Star Janneh has played down talks that he is the greatest player to have emerged from the Kombo South village of Gunjur.
He made these assertions when reacting to the news that his village committee, the Gunjur Youth and Sports Committee has named their 2015 super cup final after him.
Janneh told, Nna Gambia News that he was just lucky to have been chosen from the pool of talents in the south kombo village naming, Momodou Alieu Daba, Buba Gibba (Gibsa ), Foday Jabang; Momodou Jatta (Amba), Lamin Sarr and recently, Habib Kunta as great players who could rival his achievements in their own ways.
“I was just extremely lucky to be singled out of these great footballers from Dabanani.
“I am not sure if I am ever considered as a great player but like I said I was lucky to be given the opportunity to play for my country while I was a core member of Wallidan football team managed by Mr. Adama (Halla) Samba one of the greatest managers in The Gambia,” Star argued.
He however expressed delight to be remembered by his people saying, “I receive this news with great deal of humility.
“I am extremely fortunate to be recognised by my own people out of many other great players who hailed from our community.”
The former Gambian international, now an established banker argued that with the ongoing decentralisation of football in The Gambia many more hidden talents can be discovered in the remotest corner of our country urging stakeholders to give every Gambian child the opportunity to showcase his or her talents on the national stage regardless of his or her current location in The Gambia.
Star Janneh singled out the current Technical Director of the Gambia Football Federation, Ebrima Mnneh who hailed from Basse as an example.
The true star of Gunjur used the occasion to proffer words of wisdom to young players seeking a career in football saying that they must take up education seriously along their pursuit for a career in football.
He said, “My advice to the young ones in Gunjur and beyond is to be disciplined.
“Football is both physically and mentally demanding sport and requires a lot of discipline both on and off the field. They should ensure that they have plan B in life.
“It is given that few will make it to the professional level and the remaining ones will have to find other way of making living.
“So education should never be a substitute but should complement football and should be pursued concurrently.
“Plan B is important if one wishes to live a dignified life after football especially the majority of those who may not make it to the professional level,” Buba said.