Gambian football in mourning for legendary administrator O.B Conateh

The late Alhagie Ousman Conateh

Gambian football is in mourning for Alhagie Ousman Conateh more known with his moniker OB, legendary club owner and former national FA chief, who has died today at 82.

Conateh’s death, was announced by Wallidan Football Club, the most decorated club throughout the history of Gambian football under his stewardship.

A statement on social media said: “Wallidan football club is saddened to announce the demise of the club founding father Mr. Alagie OB Conateh (FISCO) today.

This obituary announcement is extended to @thegambiafootball, @caf_online and to the president of the Republic @mrpresidentbarrow .”

Until comparatively recently he had been a regular spectator at training sessions and matches. He oversaw the successful, at times controversial transfers of many generations of Gambian footballers who turned out stars in Europe, of more recent with the likes of Ebrima Sohna, Omar Colley, Ousman Jallow, Momodou Ceesay etc.

So much is being written and will be written in the coming days to underline the legacy of a widely acclaimed father-figure in Gambian sport as he was a rare combination of an authoritarian in the way he ran football but a visionary in  the way he ran the business of sport.

OB simply never took his exit from football up until his last breath.  He holds a lifetime sports achievement award from the Sports journalists Association of the Gambia and a highly revered figure in regional and continental football circles. We extend our condolences to his family.