Gambia: Mohammed Mbye ‘Proud’ to Help Local Children

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Babucarr Camara

29 June 2011

Gambia’s unity player Mohammed Mbye has been transformed by Assyriska FF’s former coach Richard Norling from a defensive midfielder to one of the best central defenders in the Superettan (second tier of Swedish football). It was a position he never thought about before but Momo as he is fondly called in Sweden said he has finally found his best position in the pitch.

Speaking to the club’s official website about a range of issues, the young centre back also reflected on his recent call up to the Gambia national team describing the experience as exciting. Mbye who is also helping some Gambian children in order to get a better living said he is proud to extend his helping hand back to his country of birth.

“We recently played an international friendly game in preparation for the qualifiers for the African Cup of nations in the autumn and it is an exciting experience and challenging to play with good players from the best leagues in the world. Previously, I have not received much playing time in the national team when I played in midfield, but now the coach (Paul Put) is aware that I played as a center back and I hope to get a chance soon at that position,” Mbye said.

In addition to his commitment as a member of the senior national football team of The Gambia, Momo also take a social responsibility to help children in his home country and according to him that is something he couldn’t even think twice about. “I tried to help the best way I can. I myself was born in the Gambia and know what it’s like to grow up and live there. It is important that we are able do everything we can to offer the children in The Gambia better living conditions. For me it is a matter of course and not something I need to think twice.”

Momo is one of the youngest members of Assyriska’s current squad but has played in all but only one of the team’s 14 games so far this campaign -the game he missed coincided with his involvement with the national team- and reflecting on his development as a central defender this season, the 22-year-old said he has finally settled in his new position. “You could say that I have found my place (laughs). Previously, I played in midfield and had no thought of playing as a defender, but now I feel very good in my new position and feel I can get even better as a player. There are similarities to playing in midfield, but the central defender has the entire team ahead of them and do not have as much split vision.

“It works very well. This year we played together throughout the preseason and therefore got to know each other better in our new positions. We have many talented players, so it’s tough competition, but we have a great atmosphere in the team and feel we can play together with anyone in any position. “We are a very young group and young people will always get the chance in the elite teams if they show the right attitude. We can for instance look at Gabriel Awrohum who stepped in and helped himself properly. Its football we are doing so just to go in and do your best.”

There is only one more fixture before the first round of the 30-game season comes to an end and Assyriska is still very much in the mix to secure a first ever promotion to the top flight of Swedish football and Momo added: “You have to be mentally strong. We will do what we are good at and not lose focus, it will be crucial this fall. We have often seen the team that ended up in hollows in the autumn so it is important to maintain a high focus all the way”.

“We will just concentrate on own game the same way as before and did not change anything. We will focus on what we are good at and improve the rest so that we maintain a higher quality for 90 minutes. We are professionals and must have the attitude that every game is equally important. And especially this year the Superettan is a very consistent series where everyone wins against each other. There are no easy games but we will give 150% and certainly not underestimate the opposition” Mbye concluded.

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