On-form Gambian new strike-Out Forward Basiru Mbye Tells Ducorsports: ‘I’m Happy to be In Scorpions Squad’

Forwards Lamin Jallow, Ali Sowe and Assan Ceesay are in for a competitive test for a starting role in Gambia’s attack following the call-up of Belgium-based striker Basiru Mbye.

Mbye was invited by the Scorpions’ gaffer Sang Ndong to train with the national team ahead of Gambia’s friendly game with The Central African Republic scheduled for March 23rd at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Reacting to his invitation, Mbye voiced delight to Ducor Sports, saying his call-up came much as a surprise.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]‘I’m very happy to be called up for the national team because I’m just 18 years old and I didn’t expect the news that’s why I’m very surprised,’ [/perfectpullquote]

he told Ducor Sports from his residence in Belgium.

Photo: Mbye is one four players included in the squad

Likened to Chelsea’s on-loan striker Michy Batshuayi in playing style, the young goal-getter has notched in a combined twenty-four (24) goals with five (5) assists for Lokeren’s second team but is yet to train with A-teamers of the Belgian club.

Born in Bakoteh, a thirty-minute’s drive from Gambian capital Banjul, the goal-poacher is one of four new players named in the squad unveiled by Sang including  another striker Ousman Touray who plays for German third-tier side Preußen Münster.
Coach Sang’s idea is to get a first glimpse of what the new inclusions can put to the table before being used for the U-20s where they’re classed under.

Photo: Basiru is likened to Chelsea’s on-loan rising star striker Michy Batshuayi

Basiru is hoping this new chapter of playing on international level betters his football career coupled with the ‘tips’ he intends to learn from bonding with the senior players.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]‘I hope to learn more from them (the senior players) and to get some tips to become a better player than I am now.[/perfectpullquote]

‘I hope to get some minutes also for our friendly game (against CAR) and play good to impress the coach and the fans and maybe a couple of scouts cause I’m ready for a new adventure as a football player,’ the mammoth front-man said.

Mbye becomes the second youth player to star for Gambia’s national team after Modou Kabba Cham, who starred for Mechelen’s reserves prior to moving to Scotland’s second-tier five years ago.

Photo: Mbye has scored in 24 times for his clubs reserves