By Momodou Jarju
Gambian international budding star Youssoupha Sanyang has signed a five-year deal with Czech giants SK Slavia Praha which will keep him at the club until June 2030 for €3 million reported fee. Sanyang joined Slavia from Swedish side Östers IF, a club he signed for a few months ago. He attracted scores of suitors after debuting for Östers in the Swedish top flight league where he featured in 10 games.
The 19-year-old winger, who represented neighbours Senegal at the youth level, has received his first senior call-up to The Gambia’s senior national team nicknamed the Scorpions. Slavia Praha are set to return to Champions League football next season after six years of absence following their triumph as champions of the Czech league. Sanyang will join the list of a few Gambian professionals who have graced the world’s elite football competition.
Slavia sports director Jiří Bílek said they scouted Sanyang after he played two games in the Swedish top flight. Bílek described him as a talented left-footed who can alternate on the wing and wingback positions coupled with his good speed and excellent 1 on 1 dribbler.
“Also, [he is] a very good runner who can switch between offense and defense. We believe that our implementation team can take him to the next level,” he added.
The young left-footed forward shared his elation for joining the club after signing for the Czech giants as he looks forward to making his mark.
“I play on the wings, on the right and on the left. Sometimes I also play in midfield as a number ten, because I like to dribble, run and cross to teammates who score goals. I also score goals sometimes, but mainly I like to work with the ball, dribble, cross and so on,” Sanyang told his new club’s media. Below is his interview with club culled from their website:
What are your first feelings after signing the contract?
“I’m excited, I’m happy to have signed here in Prague. It’s the next step in my football career. I’m very happy to be here.”
Tell us about your transfer. How did it all happen?
“When my agent first told me that there was interest from various teams and a big one from Slavia, I was excited about the opportunity. I played in Östers, but Slavia is a completely different level. Higher. I want to use this chance to prove my abilities, as I did in Östers. There I also did everything I could to be the best. Slavia saw it and was interested in me. I simply had to join this beautiful family at this stadium.”
Slavia is at a higher level, they will play in the Champions League, how are you looking forward to it?
“That’s the highest level. Every player dreams of playing in the Champions League. For me at nineteen, it’s a great chance, for which I am grateful.”
What kind of player are you? How would you describe yourself?
“I play on the wings, right and left. Sometimes I also play in midfield as a number ten, because I like to dribble, run and cross to teammates who score goals. I also score sometimes, but mainly I like to work with the ball, dribbling, crossing and so on.”
Do you know Malick Diouf or any other players from Slavia?
“I don’t know Malick Diouf personally, but I know he’s from Senegal and he also plays for Slavia. One of my good friends was here – Ebrima Singhateh. He’s close to me, we grew up together in Gambia.”
You’ve been in Europe for a year, what were your early football experiences like?
“I started playing football in Gambia and later moved to Senegal, where my parents are originally from. I played in the third division there, and after a season and a half I moved up to the top division, where I won three trophies in two seasons with Teungueth FC. Before I moved to Västerås, we were champions. After six months in Sweden, I moved to Östers and after another six months I’m here. It’s been a crazy year.”
Tell us about him…
“I spent six months in Västerås and we were relegated. I came in August. When it was clear that we were going to be relegated, Östers became interested in me, where I went in January. And now I’m here, in Slavia. A big year full of big steps.”
This will be your first time playing for the Gambia national team. How excited are you?
“I’m thrilled to have been selected. Every player wants to represent their country and I’ve got this chance. It’s my duty to go home and represent my country. Fighting for our flag, playing for Gambia is a dream come true for me.”
How do you like Prague? Have you visited anything yet?
“I haven’t seen much yet, but I think I’ll like it here. It’s a beautiful city.”
And what do you think of the stadium?
“It’s really beautiful. I’m looking forward to fighting for this team and our fans.”
What would you like to achieve here?
“My goal is to prove my skills in the Champions League, I would like to play in the final one day, but I still have a lot of work to do before I get there. Now I have the chance to prove myself and win trophies with Slavia.”
