President Adama Barrow has called on Gambians to be proud of Alhajie Momodou Njie, Biri Biri, and be thankful that he gave to his motherland all he can when he had to.
He also said: “Together, let us pray that the many Gambian football enthusiasts and sponsors who departed this world before him, such as the late Alhaji OB Conateh, of blessed memory, are waiting in Heaven to receive him.”
He made this remarks at National Tribute to Gambian Legend, Alhajie Momodou Njie, Biri Biri Wednesday at the Arch 22, Banjul where Gambians paid their last respect to late soccer legend.
“I am proud to observe that Biri’s football career, which started at the tender age of fifteen, had developed to a high professional level. He played against the world’s greatest players, and made his mark on the world stage. Today, he leaves behind a unique reputation in Africa and Europe, not to mention his motherland, The Gambia.
“Because of Biri’s passion for football and his temperament on the field, the official fan club for Seville in Spain named their group and a portion of the club’s stadium Biri’s Notre,” he said.
He added that “It is amazing that in a popularity contest in Seville, Biri beat the City Mayor as the most popular person in the city. What a feat, and what a great achievement for a Gambian!
“Back home, Biri is the only person to suit up with three different generations, having played at the international level in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. He pulled the curtain down in 1987 with a generation he prepared for stardom.”
He stated that in all, Biri played with grace, honour, passion, commitment and unrivalled patriotism.
President Barrow recalled that the late Father Joseph Gough once said: “If Biri was born in Europe or Brazil he would easily have been the Pele of the world.” In his eyes, no one was a better performer than the much admired personality, whose humble beginnings could be traced to the popular grounds in Banjul, known as Park E Marche.
He pointed out that Alhajie Biri’s character as a patriotic Gambian was demonstrated many times during his sporting career, footballing in particular. “He sacrificed for his country, and made every effort to fly the Gambian flag high in the football world.”
“In recognition of his selfless service to The Gambia and humanity in general, coupled with his untiring effort in the development of football in the country, Alhajie Momodou Njie, alias Biri Biri, is awarded the insignia of the Grand Commander of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia (GCRG) posthumous,” President announced.
Earlier on, Mass Axi Gai who played in the national team with Biri Biri said while he and Biri didn’t start their footballing careers in the same team, fate brought them together in the national team.
“I was a defender with the late Leon Prom and Biri was our striker. We continued playing but I left football before him to continue my professional work at the Ports Authority and he continued with his profession as a footballer,” Gai said.
Biri Biri’s brother Bekai Njie said his brother lived a life of humility.
“He was so humble that all of his chatting sessions are with kids, not his age mates,” the younger Njie said.