Spotlight: Buba “Star” Janneh, a midfield maestro

Buba “Star” Janneh is a celebrated figure in Gambian football, renowned for his exceptional midfield skills and significant contributions to the sport in The Gambia.

Early Life and Football Career

Hailing from Gunjur in Kombo South, Janneh began his football journey in the early 1980s with Young Dabanani Football Club. His standout performances, particularly in inter-regional tournaments, quickly brought him into the national spotlight. In 1984, while still attending Gambia High School, he joined the prominent Wallidan Football Club and represented the junior national team. By 1986, he had advanced to the senior national squad, earning acclaim for his work rate, tenacity, and adept dribbling and passing abilities. One of his most memorable matches was against Ghana’s Black Stars in December 1987, a game he recalls fondly as a career highlight .

Education and Post-Football Career

In 1988, Star Janneh moved to the United States on scholarship to pursue higher education, playing college football while studying. Upon graduation and returning to The Gambia, he transitioned into a successful career in corporate banking, working initially at Standard Chartered Bank in The Gambia and eventually across various countries in Africa and Asia. Star currently resides and works in Nigeria .

Football Administration and Advocacy

Beyond his playing days, Janneh remained actively involved in football administration. He served as the first vice president of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and was known for his outspoken views on football governance. In 2017, he publicly challenged statements made by the GFF, defending the integrity of his former executive committee and criticising the circumstances surrounding its dissolution .

Janneh has consistently advocated for reforms in Gambian football, emphasising the need for investment in youth development and financial discipline. He believes that seeking technical assistance from countries with successful football programs and developing attractive products to entice private sector investment are crucial steps forward .

Legacy

Buba “Star” Janneh’s legacy in Gambian football is marked by his exceptional talent on the field and his unwavering commitment to the sport’s development off the field. His journey from a local club player to a national icon and football administrator serves as an inspiration to many in The Gambia and beyond. Off the football both as a player and football administrator, “Star” is also a seasoned banker with over three decades of banking experience.