Gambia: Finnish-Based Goalkeeper Rejects Finland

FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)

Sulayman Bah

1 July 2011

Finnish-born Gambian goalkeeper Sam Jammeh has rejected a bid to appear for Finland and instead opts to play for his country of origin.

Sam Jammeh is the first scouted Gambian goalkeeper in abroad. Though born to a Finnish Mother but to Gambian father with a dual citizenship, the lad intends to make a mark with the Gambia national team.

He could be just too young, but the 20-year-old is already setting his sight on the platform of glory with Paul Put’s side.

In a move to draw the GFA’s attention on his intention for a homeland call-up, the youngster has turned his back on the Finnish authorities who wants him to play for the Scandinavian country’s under twenty-one and under twenty.

Opening up over the proposal he told this news outlet in a short statement from his base: “yeah, I rejected it. I said no to Finland U-20 and U-21 teams weeks ago when they asked me whether I want to play for them. I said no. But it depends what will happen with Gambia”

Jammeh came to Gambia last year on a short visit and had trained with struggling Bakau side Steve Biko.

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