The secretary general and minister for Presidential Affairs, Dr Njogu Bah, has challenged the youths of Kerr Mama village to be focused in their educational pursuit and continue to participate effectively in community activities such as Nawettan football.

Dr Bah made the remark at the final of the 13th edition of the annual Kerr Mama football tournament where he also took the kick-off. He urged the youths to be very disciplined and take the opportunities provided for them by the Government of The Gambia under the leadership of His ExcellencySheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.

Also present at the game were several dignitaries amongst them the National Assembly Member for Upper Nuimi, Honourable Cherno Omar Jallow, who also took time to advice the youths on good attitude to ensure progress in the region.

The final which was played at the Alhaji Gabbi Sosseh Mini-Stadium wasbetween Bakalaar and Pakau Saloum with the former crowned champions for the first time after they came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win. The game was brought to life on the hour mark when Pakau Saloum opened the scoring. Jimba Sarr took his time to comfortably convert a sublime cross from winger Modou Gaye which saw the ball beautifully hitting the roof of Bakalarr's net.

But Bakalarr responded quickly with an equaliser when the Pakau Saloum keeper failed to hold a harmless ball in his area which allowed Ebou Manneh to head home into an empty net. Even when the game seemed destined for a gruesome post-match penalty shoot-out, Bakalaar had other ideas. It took an invidual brilliance from star player Lamin Saine who is widely referred to as Iniesta to win the game for his side. Saine scored a solo goal after dribbling past three defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the Pakau net to complete the comeback.

The champions Bakalarr were awarded a trophy and a cash prize of D10,000 while Pakau Saloum went home with a consolation prize of D7000. Mamuda village were awarded the most disciplined team while the tournament top scorer Lamin Saine was given a brand new football.

This year's edition was once again played inmemory of the late Alhaji Badou Jasseh who before his demise was the chairman of the Gambia Football Referees' Committee. The objective is to keep the legacy of Jasseh and bring into focus his immense contribution to Gambian Football.

The tournament is sponsored by Baboucarr Jallow, who is a native of Kerr Mama and based in the United States. Baboucarr, who is currently a referee in the top flight of American Soccer, was recruited by Jasseh and became a FIFA referee before travelling to the United States.