By Edward Francis Dalliah
After huge anticipation for the Gambia’s rising Under-20 star Adama “Hurricane” Bojang’s transfer to a European Football club, he finally signed a five-year contract with French League 1 side Stade de Reims. The former Steve Biko stiker inked his signature on 4th July 2023 at Cocoa Ocean in The Gambia. Agent, Cherno Samba and Officals from Steve Biko graced the occasion as one of the country’s most promising stars concluded one of the most talked about transfer sagas in recent memory.
Days after signing the agreement, the Hurricane flew to France to complete his medical and conclude his transfer. After finishing all the formalities, Bojang revealed his elation at signing for the French Team. In a video published by an online media platform, Adama highlighted that he was “so happy to be [in Reims]” which he believes marks the “beginning of his new journey”. He was officially unveiled as a Stade de Reims player with the number 27 shirt.
Over the summer, the Under-20 forward made headlines in numerous Sports Media outlets such as Sports Bible and the Guardian who reported interest to sign him from English Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea FC, Liverpool and Tottenham amongst others.
However, in a turn of events, French League 1 side Stade de Reims managed to wrestle the signature of the highly coveted Gambian forward. In July 2023 Bojang had Gambian football supporters waxing lyrical after he appeared on a video speaking to Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger during his visit to The Gambia. In the video the Hurricane revealed that he “wants to be part of the bigger clubs in Europe” but wants to develop himself “as a young player [and] — gradually go up” the ranks of European Football.
Setting an example for hundreds of young Gambian footballers who harbour the dream of playing in Europe, Bojang has seized the opportunity to develop his career in a team where he would likely find more playing time in comparison to bigger clubs in Europe. If his plans follow through this may be the launching pad he needs to propel his career in French football and higher up the echelons of European Football.
After the Hurricane played in the Gambia Football Association League First Division, his eye-catching performances paved the way for his selection to the Gambian Under 20 team where he played in the 2023 AFCON Under-20 Tournament, loosing to Senegal in the final. This gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent at the World stage during the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
In his breakout season the Under-20 star scored the first hat-trick of the season in the GFA League First Division which he followed up with four goals at the 2023 AFCON Under-20 Tournament. At the world stage Bojang did not relent and added two goals to his name during the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup. His performances saw his much coveted number 20 Jersey, autographed by the rising star and put on display at the FIFA Museum.
