Gambian football fans have expressed their dismay after Scorpions U-17 goalkeeper Fallou Mbye’s picture emerged showing him wearing worn-out gloves.

Many fans have directed their frustration at the Gambia Football Federation for showing no care about the welfare of the players. Others lashed out at the federation for underperformance.

US-based Gambian Alhasan Alex Darboe criticised the Gambia Football Federation, accusing it of “once again showing shocking incompetence and negligence”.

“Our national goalkeeper is wearing damaged gloves in a pre-game photo op in Morocco—an unacceptable oversight that reflects the federation’s careless management,” he added.

He accused the GFF of “corruption and lack of vision, which are contributing to the ‘back way’ crisis, as young people lose hope in opportunities at home.”

However, unlike many fans, Essa Bah believed this is normal in the game of football, referencing legendary Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, whom he said wore similar gloves during his time.

“Guess he could’ve used better gloves for the photo shoot, but players using worn-out gloves or boots is very normal, even at the highest level of professional football,” he defended his point.

Dodou Oley Janko, who claims to have once taught the young keeper in school, expressed frustration at seeing his student wearing such gloves while representing his nation.

“It really disturbs me as the PE teacher and coach of the boy. Fallou doesn’t deserve this, and he is one of the most disciplined and hardworking players in my school team. He hardly speaks out.

“He doesn’t deserve this, and I never knew he traveled with those gloves. Otherwise, I would have facilitated new ones for him. But again, Fallou is a grade nine student, and it would be very difficult for him to buy new gloves. Like I said, he hardly speaks up,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba