By Alhagie Babou Jallow
Amadou Jarju, a Gambian volleyball star has had a chat with Gambia Daily Sports on his experience as a volleyball player from his formative years to now pro level.
Amo, as he is fondly called said he started playing volleyball in his native town of Jeshwang, where he helped his team secure five consecutive championships of the domestic league.
“I started playing volleyball in early 2005 in Jeshwang as a teenager. Simon Bukury is my volleyball mentor. He motivated me a lot and encouraged me. This is why some people say I play like him.”
He went on: “Our elders really helped us to reach where we are now. In those days we found it difficult to have jerseys but our councilor Sheriff Sarr contributed a lot to our career development.”
Amo commended The Gambia Government for their support towards volleyball through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He however encouraged government to support the sport more; like others like football.
He explained that volleyball is all about points; that “the more points you earn the better your world ranking.”
The volleyball sensation further elucidated that ranking can boost their performance and lead them to qualify for the Olympic Games.
According to him, at the moment there are no indoor volleyball courts in The Gambia which is why the country cannot host Zone II tournaments.
He therefore appealed to Government to help in getting the country indoor volleyball courts.
Commenting on the domestic league, Jarju stated that Government has to support the federation to ensure they raise the Gambian flag higher.
