Gambians react to Zico’s return to the domestic scene
Fortune’s new acquisition no.9 Momodou Ceesay
Fortune’s new acquisition no.9 Momodou Ceesay
By Ebrima KB Sonko
Momodou Ceesay, once predicted to become a generational center-forward from the Gambian domestic league, has returned home to play for Fortune Football Club following his exploits in Europe including making an appearance in the UEFA Champions League with 7 times Slovak league champions, Zilina.
Ceesay commonly called 'Zico' return to Gambian Football, has triggered a lot of fanfare and euphoria among football lovers, including journalists.
League fans’ being treated to the sight of the lanky forward formerly with Walidan
Sheikh Tijan Gaye, the co-presenter of Capital FM Sports Network has told Gambia Sports that, zico's return will add value to the Gambian League.
"Well, I haven’t watched his debut live but I think it’s a huge value-added to our league. His accolades individually including an African u-17 champs medal as well as a champions league appearance makes him the highest-profile player to play in our domestic league for the past 15 years or so." Sheikh Tijan said.
Sheikh Tijan added the Scorpions’ International striker, will serve as a morale booster for the young generation of stars in the Gambia.
"The younger players and fans who only heard about the legacy of the U-17 2005 version will have the opportunity to share the same league with him and watch him live." he said.
Zico dragging a shot towards Hawks goal
Despite receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted midway in Fortune's 1-0 win over Hawks, the former Wallidan FC striker didn’t seem to impress everyone. Such person is Gambia Football enthusiast, Momodou Emmes Jallow.
"Totally not impressed by me and all the other spectators will agree with that. He’s looked a shadow of his former self all night as he lacked control, speed, passing, accuracy and those finishes he was used to." Emmes told Gambia Sports.
Sang Donald Mendy, a sports reporter, did not also seem to be impressed with Zico's debut with Fortune.
"In my personal view, his performance was not that brilliant, although his presence on the pitch was a morale booster to the young players. Playing with an experienced professional player is always a plus." He explained.
Freelance Journalist and the media officer of Tallinding United, Seedou Sanneh said it was not the intriguing performance he was expecting from the former Gambia U-17 and U-20 star but noted that it was good to see him play.
"On his return to the GFF elite league, Zico's performance against Hawks was not his best I expected. But I just love to watch Zico play over and over, welcome back Modou Ceesay."
A shake of hands between Zico and Hawks defender Mass Manga.
Cherno Sanyang, a native of Brikama and a football fan, echoed the view that Zico was a shadow of his old self on the night. Sanyang alias Cho said, Zico does not seem to be in the best of shape.
"Well, he’s far from the rhythm he used to be. He looks overweight and needs to work hard." Cherno Sanyang said.
Fortune Football Club had announced on May 4 in a statement that, it has secured the services of former Chelsea trialist, Momodou Ceesay alias Zico.