LaLiga from the Gambian perspective

In Gambia, football is a way of life for most people - young and old. Like most young fellars of my time, I became a huge fan of the Spanish LaLiga. Our affection for Spanish football is spurred by two things:

La Liga, and especially sevilla FC - was home to The Gambia's 'greatest footballer' of all time Alhagie Momodou Njie nicknamed 'Biri' who singlehandedly put the name of our country in the world map back in the 80’s; and second, the unique beauty of the Spanish game played by the best footballers on the planet. 

In a tribute, legendary Gambian sports journalist Tijan Massaneh Ceesay was quoted as saying "His successor at Seville, the great Diego Armando Maradona, called Biri 'THE GREATEST' based on tapes He saw on arrival in Seville".

It is fair to say that the Spanish La Liga is the second most watched league in the country behind the English Premier League due to colonial and language connections. However, when it comes to wonderful football, Gambians are well aware that the best at the business weave their magic in the Spanish La Liga.

You can sense the feel good factor that comes with the beautiful Spanish game, in match viewing centers or so called video clubs where hundreds of Spanish football fanatics gather every weekend to watch their idols the Ronaldo, Bale, Messi, Neymar and co.

Like in most places around the world, Real Madrid and Barcelona are the most supported Spanish clubs in the Gambia. In town, it is a familiar sight to see Real Madrid and Barca faithful donning scarfs and shirts bearing name of star player players.

In 2013, there was upsurge in Gambian interest in the LaLiga when then Granada Coach Joseba Aguado likened his new Gambian recruit Sulayman Marreh to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba, while describing him as a very "complete player" who will be decisive to the Spanish top flight sides in seasons to come.

The then 17-year-old became the latest addition to the Andalusia side and despite his youth, the former Samger midfielder boast of a very impressive resume, having played against and dominated a player like Yaya Toure of Manchester City among others.