By Ebrima Mbaye
Excitement is reaching a fever pitch in Central River Region as Kerewan Samba Sira, widely regarded as the “home of football”, prepares to host the official kickoff of the 2025 Nawettan Tournament this Friday, with support from ActionAid International The Gambia.
A record 24 teams from CRR North, Niamina, and Jimara have registered for this year’s tournament , a powerful reflection of growing regional unity through sport. The Nawettan is being organized by the Kerewan Samba Sira Sports Committee, with a clear vision to promote youth development, discipline, and inclusion.
The opening ceremony will feature a blockbuster first match between defending champions Fulakunda FC of Brikamaba and rivals Kawral FC. The second match, scheduled for Saturday, will showcase a clash between debutants Young Stars of Dasilameh and Sabu Sirreh FC, setting the stage for a thrilling start to what many are calling CRR’s most prestigious grassroots tournament to date.
Ahead of the kickoff, a two-day capacity-building training will begin Wednesday at Kakuba Hotel in Kudang, targeting team officials from all participating clubs and committee members . The workshop, organized by the Kerewan Samba Sira Sports committee and supported by ActionAid, will cover topics including leadership on and off the pitch, team management, conflict resolution, and fair play.
“This year’s Nawettan is historic, not just in numbers, but in how we’re doing it,” said Modou Fatty, Public Relations Officer of the Kerewan Samba Sira Sports Committee. “With teams from all corners of CRR and serious investment in capacity-building, we are setting a new standard for grassroots sports in The Gambia.”
Fafa O. Cham, Head of Programs and Policy at ActionAid International The Gambia, said their support for the tournament is part of a broader two-year initiative being implemented under the UN Peace Building Fund project.
“Our support to the Kerewan Samba Sira Sports Committee is part of a two-year program under the UNDF project aimed at enhancing youth inclusion in civic spaces and promoting peace,” Cham said.
He emphasized that sports remain a powerful entry point to achieving those goals, particularly in rural Gambia. “Through sports, peace and unity are naturally fostered. When young people from diverse backgrounds come together over months of competition, bonds are built and mutual respect grows, which aligns perfectly with our core objectives.”
Cham noted that ActionAid has already supported several youth groups and football teams in Niamina East and Upper Niumi. He expressed optimism for a peaceful, competitive, and talent-filled tournament in Kerewan Samba Sira.
“We are expecting a very peaceful and talent-driven tournament. But we also urge the Kerewan Sports Committee to ensure that qualified referees are appointed for every game. That is key to avoiding disputes and maintaining discipline,” he said.
Cham also made a call to the participating teams and fans to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. “We call on all team managers to guide their fans and help maintain the peace that this great tournament represents. It is more than football. It is a platform uniting rural youth from across CRR.”
He concluded by reaffirming ActionAid’s long-term commitment: “ActionAid is here to support initiatives like this that empower young people and promote lasting peace.”
The 2025 Nawettan will offer an unprecedented D170,000 prize pool, designed to reward not only performance but discipline, sportsmanship, and community support.
Prize Categories:
1. Champion – D75,000
2. Runners-Up – D50,000
3. Third Place – D25,000
4. Most Disciplined Team – D5,000
5. Best Fans Club – D5,000
6. Player of the Tournament – D2,500
7. Leading Goal Scorer – D2,500
8. Goalkeeper of the Tournament – D2,500
9. Coach of the Tournament – D2,500
10. Young Player of the Tournament – D2,500
11. Hat-Trick Bonus – Brand-new football for each player scoring three goals in a match
12. Man of the Match (Each Game) – D200 mobile credit and a certificate
This structure highlights the tournament’s goal to promote ethics and character, not just competition. Organizers are working closely with match officials, security, and community elders to ensure a peaceful and well-run event.
For many young players, the tournament represents more than a game. It’s a platform to be seen, heard, and supported.
“Playing here means everything to us,” sai Foday Omar Fatty, a midfielder of Exodus United. “We are representing our village, our families, and our dreams. And this year, it’s bigger than ever.”
With a foundation built on ethics, inclusion, and development, the 2025 Kerewan Samba Sira Nawettan is not only a sporting event but a beacon of rural transformation.
As teams gear up and fans prepare to flood the grounds this weekend, Kerewan Samba Sira is once again living up to its name, the beating heart of football in CRR.
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