Amat Mballow’s Journey: From Aspiring Footballer to Legendary Coach

𝑩𝒚 𝑺𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑵𝒋𝒊𝒆 (𝑺𝒐𝒍 𝑺𝒍𝒊𝒎)

Meet Amat Mballow, celebrated as a local tactician and international accomplished coach, whose journey from aspiring footballer to local legend is truly inspiring. Amat began just like any determined young player, driven by his passion for football and dreams of playing on a national level and turning professional. From a young age, his talent was undeniable, capturing the attention of even his teachers while he juggled school tasks with football. As a skilled midfielder, he brought numerous trophies to his school in inter-school competitions, and despite a sports scholarship, his deep love for football led him to leave school during Grade 8, despite his principal's efforts to retain him.

Once free from school, Amat prioritised his training. He understood that to excel, he needed to be disciplined and focused. Every morning, he would start his day with prayer and head to the beach for rigorous training routines. His dedication was soon noticed by veteran coach Alieu, who encouraged him and got him involved in the community team for his first 'nawettan' (local tournament).

Amat's commitment was unmatched, training twice a day and running long distances during the hottest times of the day. As the tournament unfolded, he secured his place on the team, gaining attention for his impressive performances. His skills and discipline made him the talk of the tournament, with fans singing his praises through the town with the catchy chant, "Amat Dufi Amati." This recognition did not distract him; instead, it fuelled his determination to stay focused and rise in the ranks.

Although his team didn't win the final, Amat's individual brilliance earned him awards as the youngest skilful player and leading goal scorer, while his team was acknowledged for its discipline. Coach Alieu, now acting as his agent, facilitated Amat's move to a second division team, marking an important step in his career. While others were swayed by the temptations of fleeting fame, Amat's discipline and Coach Alieu's guidance kept him on the right path, eventually catching the eye of the Gambia Football Federation. They invited him to join the Under-17 national team, recognising his exceptional talent.

As Amat represented his country, his fame spread beyond borders. His song of pride, "Amat Dufi Amati," echoed with enthusiasm from fans worldwide. Amat's remarkable performances on the field made him a subject of international discussion, leading to his first international contract. This success on the global stage highlighted his talents and dedication.

Tragically, after five years of outstanding performances across Asia and Europe, a severe knee injury put an abrupt end to his playing career. It was a devastating blow to both Amat and his fans, who had come to admire their goal-scoring hero. Despite all efforts to recover, Amat faced the harsh reality of retiring from playing football.

Yet his journey did not end there. Known for his leadership and ability to unite players, Amat was invited to serve as part of the technical team, focusing on motivating and inspiring players. He embraced this role with passion, obtaining coaching licenses and imparting his philosophy: the power of belief creates vision, strength, resilience, and action. His impact was profound, leading his team to a trophy win and promotion to the second division, earning him immense respect as a team legend.

Returning home, Amat founded "Gomkor FC," an academy dedicated to instilling self-belief in young players. At his academy, Amat prioritised education and consistently advised his students to take it seriously, emphasising that education and football can go hand in hand. He shared with them his own struggles, explaining that leaving school in Grade 8 had left him with gaps in his knowledge. During his time in Asia, even his team had to support his education so he could make informed decisions. This personal experience drove him to ensure that his students understood the importance of balancing academics with their passion for football.

Amat's academy integrated vocational training, producing carpenters, welders, coaches, and medics, guaranteeing that even those who couldn't reach the professional level would still have valuable career paths. Through his academy, Amat provided fair pay and support to players and staff, helping many African players secure international contracts with favourable terms. His dedication to his community and country earned him the title of a national treasure and goodwill ambassador.

While advising them, Amat did highlight how his life story parallels the inspiring journey of the late Alhagie Momodou Njie, better known as Biri Biri. As the first Gambian to excel on the international football stage, he made a significant impact by putting The Gambia on the global map. His success was a source of national pride and inspired many young players.

Unfortunately, Biri Biri's expertise and contributions were not fully appreciated during his lifetime. It was only after his passing that he received a state funeral, marked by a lavish procession with a vehicle displaying "Biri Biri" on its number plate. These gestures, though grand, highlighted the gap in recognizing and supporting our legends while they are still with us. His story reminds us of the importance of honouring and leveraging the talents and experiences of our living heroes.

Moral Lesson: Amat Mballow's journey teaches us the importance of resilience, focus, and the pursuit of education alongside our passions. By balancing ambition with learning, we equip ourselves to face life's challenges, ensuring a future filled with opportunities. His story serves as a testament that dedication and belief in oneself can transform dreams into reality and that success is not just about personal achievement but also about uplifting others and giving back to the community.

The story of Biri Biri teaches us the importance of valuing and celebrating individuals for their contributions and talents while they are still alive. It reminds us that genuine appreciation and support can make a significant difference in a person’s life and legacy. By acknowledging and leveraging the wisdom and expertise of those who have paved the way, we create a culture of gratitude and inspiration, encouraging future generations to carry the torch of excellence. Let us strive to honour our heroes today, ensuring their impact is felt and their stories are cherished for years to come.