With Scrabble Players already starting to arrive Kigali for the 15th Africa Scrabble Championship (15th ASC), we profile a nation that has strengthened over time but in private. This country has so many experienced, hard hitting players and this may just be the right time for them to show what they have up their sleeves. They are Kigali’s secret weapon, step in THE GAMBIA. Nicknamed Ifang Bondi meaning ‘be yourself’ in Mandinka language and named after a band that was formed some 45 years ago by musicians that were part of the Super Eagles of Gambia, the team from the beautiful West African nation, bordered by the Atlantic ocean in the West are a Scrabble force in the sub-region.
Ifang Bondi, the King of Vous (meaning ‘friendly gathering’) Scrabble are coming with a full complement of 10 of their strongest players. The Gambia have also successfully blended young and fine vintage. Over time, players like Byemalleh Wadda, Pita Gabbidon, John Ogoh, Abba Hydara, Alagie Bakary Darbo, Alieu Jallow, PA Bouvier, Ousainou Waggeh, Ebrima Barry, Ousman Kah, Ousman Jorbateh, Karamo Sambou to mention but a few have been able to incubate and birth some of the fine young players in the nation’s arsenal.
Ifang Bondi will be led to the Battle of Kigali by the hardworking Ousman Conteh, which speaks to the trust the Gambia Scrabble Federation led by the very soft spoken Ebou Njie have in him. Gambia’s lineup is impressive, this is one of the strongest group of players at the 15th ASC, yet relatively unknown on the continent. This team finished 2nd at the West Africa Scrabble Championship in Nigeria last year.
Leading the pack and one of the players to watch out for in Kigali is the cool looking and well-trimmed Richard Sock. By far The Gambia’s best player in the last couple of years, Richard will finally make his mark at his first ASC, and Africa better beware of this young rising star. If that does not instil fear in the opposition, then wait for the trio of Kebba Suso, Salifu Jabang and Omar Jah. The Gambia have the quality, and the numbers and that is why they would be a force in Kigali. The squad is completed by other good players such as Darbo Alhajie (who makes a return on this stage having represented his country in South Africa 10 years ago alongside Dr Abba Hydara), Maju Bah, Babucarr Jallow and Bai Nyass.
Ifang Bondi have an advantage and that is in the fact that many on the continent do not know their playing style from not having played them at tournaments, and this will count for something.
Will The Gambia tame all of Africa at the Battle of Kigali? Will these group of players rise to the occasion in Kigali? Will the King of Vous Scrabble turn Kigali into her stomping ground? Geographically Gambia may be the smallest nation in continental Africa, but they are no pushovers. Ifang Bondi is here to stay, and Africa anticipates
