Gambians from all walks of life, including football fans and enthusiasts, have paid moving tribute to the former Gambian international and goalkeeper Wandeh Njie, who passed away in the United Kingdom after battling a long illness. 

The late Njie left behind four children and a wife.

A large number of mourners showed up to his funeral ceremony in Bakau, where he was laid to rest, following the return of his remains from the UK.

Among the mourners was Willy Abraham, president of Real de Banjul, a club Njie played for. Abraham described the deceased as “an honest and generous man“ whose legacy will be remembered forever.

“I can’t say much, but Wandeh was a good man and he was my friend and trustee. Wandeh has contributed a lot to the national football team and he helped many other former players financially,” he said in his tribute remarks.

Also, Ba Tambedou, former Gambian minister of justice and attorney general, was among the mourners who showed up to pay their tribute. He praised the deceased as “a generous man whose departure left an unhealed scar in the hearts of scores of Gambians”. 

He said: “we knew each other through football and he was a good brother of mine. He was a jovial man who cared for everyone.”

Aunty Ndey Njie, biological sister to the deceased, also described her late brother as someone who was a pivotal figure in the family.

“He was a good brother, who respected everyone in the family. We will surely miss him in the family,” she said.

Waka Jagne, a childhood friend of the deceased, described him as a “good friend of mine” whose demise “saddens me.”

Some have lashed out at the government for not providing a state funeral to such a legend and expressed disappointment at the absence of the minister of youths and sports at the funeral.

By Adama Makasuba