Back and Next - Back and NextGambian players sign MLS contracts
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
America’s Major League Soccer club, Toronto FC, have announced the signing of two Gambian defenders - Amadou Sanyang and Emmanuel Gomez to MLS contracts.
Gomez was acquired from the GFA First Division club Samger FC, while Sanyang arrives from Real de Banjul. As per league and team policy, financial details of the deals were not announced. The signing of the duo has extended the number of Gambian players in America’s premier tier football to six players. Toronto FC official has expressed delight at the arrival of the Gambian duo. "Both these players are great young talents and have a huge future ahead of them," manager, director of soccer at Toronto FC Mo Johnston told club web site shortly after the signing ceremony.
"Gomez is very good in the air, has very good speed and is an outstanding young centre back. Amadou has great ability as well; he is very talented and will be a great asset for many years to come. We are delighted to have them both on board." Gomez, 18, has been a fixture in both his club side and a regular member of the Gambian Under 20 national team. He was a member of the squad that competed in qualification for the 2009 African Championship, and has most recently been selected to train with the senior team.
Sanyang, 17, was a member of the Gambian Under 17 squad, and is currently part of the Under 20 squad. In 2007, he was honoured as the best midfielder in the national league and was part of the winning team that captured the Four Nation Tournament held in Ivory Coast that year.
Due to his age, Sanyang will not be able to become a full member of the Toronto FC Senior squad until his 18th birthday. Until that time the defender will train with both the senior team and TFC Academy and be able to play matches for the Academy. Sanyang turns 18 on August 1, the same day that Toronto FC faces the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium and if selected, could make his debut with the first team on that date.
Gomez was acquired from the GFA First Division club Samger FC, while Sanyang arrives from Real de Banjul. As per league and team policy, financial details of the deals were not announced. The signing of the duo has extended the number of Gambian players in America’s premier tier football to six players. Toronto FC official has expressed delight at the arrival of the Gambian duo. "Both these players are great young talents and have a huge future ahead of them," manager, director of soccer at Toronto FC Mo Johnston told club web site shortly after the signing ceremony.
"Gomez is very good in the air, has very good speed and is an outstanding young centre back. Amadou has great ability as well; he is very talented and will be a great asset for many years to come. We are delighted to have them both on board." Gomez, 18, has been a fixture in both his club side and a regular member of the Gambian Under 20 national team. He was a member of the squad that competed in qualification for the 2009 African Championship, and has most recently been selected to train with the senior team.
Sanyang, 17, was a member of the Gambian Under 17 squad, and is currently part of the Under 20 squad. In 2007, he was honoured as the best midfielder in the national league and was part of the winning team that captured the Four Nation Tournament held in Ivory Coast that year.
Due to his age, Sanyang will not be able to become a full member of the Toronto FC Senior squad until his 18th birthday. Until that time the defender will train with both the senior team and TFC Academy and be able to play matches for the Academy. Sanyang turns 18 on August 1, the same day that Toronto FC faces the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium and if selected, could make his debut with the first team on that date.
Author: By Nanama Keita
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