Message from the publisher

Ebrima Baldeh holding the Gambian flag


Dear reader,

Let me use this opportunity to thank all those who have one way or the other supported and encouraged me to continue publishing BALDEH BOLONG during the course of the year. Even though there were times I felt that I should give up due to one reason or the other.

At this time of the year many of you are either in your respective countries on break or abroad serving in the diplomatic arena. It has not been easy, just like life itself, but you managed to stay in touch thanks to the beauty of the Information Technology. Every year, we pray and thank God for giving us another opportunity to witness another year in our lifetime.

To those of you who are still praying for Allah's protection in your personal or official endeavours, I say you it will be well you by the grace of God.

Keep in touch and enjoy your life if you can spare time.


Ebrima Baldeh
Fula Bantang village, CRR

Guess who is right?

The small West African nation of Ivory Coast is currently led by two Presidents: one is Alassane Quattara and the other is President Laurent Gbagbo. Who is right and who is wrong?
Write and send your reactions.

WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN AGAIN

THESE ARE INTERESTING AND STRANGE TIMES IN THE CONTEMPORARY HISTORY OF THE GAME OF FOOTBALL. UNLESS IF YOU REFUSE TO BE DRAGGED INTO THE UN-ENDING DEBATE ABOUT WHO BEST STRIKER IS, BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE WORLD WAS LITERARY BOMBARDED WITH CAMPS BEATING THEIR CHEST THAT THEIR SIDE WILL WIN AT THE END OF THE DAY.




I'M REFERRING TO THE DUST THAT ACCOMPANIED THE S0-CALLED EL CLASSICO BETWEEN TWO OF THE BEST TEAMS IN THE WORLD - BARCELONA AND REAL MADRIB.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON, REAL MADRID HAS NEVER BEEN DEFEATED, THAT SLENDER LEAD IN THE SPANISH LEAGUE SUDDENLY FALTERED ON A DAY THAT WAS CRUCIAL, THAT IS IF THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT WINNING THE LA LIGA. UNDER THE ARROGANT AND SENSATIONAL COACH JOSE MOURINHO, REAL MADRIB BELEIVE THEY ARE SURELY GOING TO GET IT - WIN ALL THAT IS THERE TO BE WON!. THE FIVE GOALS THAT ENTERED THE NET DID NOT ONLY SUCCEEDED IN HUMILIATING REAL, BUT EACH AND EVERY FAN WHO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE TEAM.

REAL COULDN'T SPARK AT ALL.

THAT NIGHT IN BARCA, THE REAL MADRIB BOYS FAILED MISERABLY TO SCORE, AND BARCA DID WHAT THEY WERE ASKED TO DO - HUMILIATE REAL AND SHOW THEM THAT ( THEY) THAT IS BARCA, ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

IN ENGLAND, THE PREMIERE LEAGUE IS MAKING EVERY ONE EXCITED THAT ANY TEAM THAT CAN LIFT THE TROPHY. CHELSEA HAS BEEN AT THEIR VERY BEST AT THE START OF THE SEASON, NOT ANYMORE, THE TEAM IS TRYING TO REDEFINE ITSELF AND CLOSE THAT GAP AND CONTINUE LEADING. WHAT IS HAPPENING AT CHELSEA PERHAPS DOVETAIL WITH WHAT SOME SOCIAL SCIENTIST EQUATE TO THIS CLASSIC EXAMPLE: 'ANYONE CAN STAY ON TOP, BUT IT IS DIFFICULT TO BE THERE FOR SO LONG'

FIFA GOT IT RIGHT MAY BE.

All eyes were literary fixed on Zurich for all day long, but as soon as the announcements were made. The news was not at all surprising: Qatar has never had the opportunity to host the World Cup, now this wealthy middle eastern nation is going to do that in twelve years time. Russia is not famous especially when it comes to press freedom and democracy and the rule of law, but its billionaries are literary crazy about the game of football. Isn't it a good time for Russians to enjoy football fiesta at home?

As regard the other nations, at FIFA there is nothing like so-called dominant powers who try to elbow countries. No, it is about Fair Play, which is more or less about giving each and every nation the chance to host the World Cup.

Which is why England, South Korea, the United States and disappointingly Australia was equally ditched. While we are yet to know what precisely happened, but one thing we can speculate is that FIFA is trying to assert its voice tilting toward the direction of uncharted territories.

Except Australia, the other countries have at least even if was long time ago as in the case of England have hosted the WORLD CUP. So it is time to give chance to those who have never hosted the WORLD CUP.