Gambia imports revitalize the New England Revolution

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Gambia Imports Revitalise the Revolution

The Gambia is an oddly shaped vestige of colonialism. Wedged into Senegal, its narrow borders determined by the distance a 19th Century warship could fire its guns from the middle of the Gambia River. Alex Haley’s “Roots” put Gambia on the tourism trail. But the former British colony was completely off the international soccer map until qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2005 and the U-20 event last year.

The Gambia is an unlikely place to have produced prospects for the MLS. But, thanks to the sharp eyes of some U.S.-based agents and the instincts of New England Coach Steve Nicol and assistant Paul Mariner, the Revolution have capitalised on what could be West Africa’s only untapped talent pool by acquiring Abdoulie Ken Mansally and Sainey Nyassi. And the Gambians, who turned 19 within two days of each other in January, could be among the emerging young stars in the league after scintillating performances in the Revolution’s 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo in the season opener.

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Out of Africa, into MLS spotlight

New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol has already gained a reputation as the master of the Major League Soccer draft, snapping up unheralded college players and turning them into solid performers.

This season, though, Nicol and his coaching staff went a step further by introducing two unknown youngsters from a far away continent to boost New England’s start to the campaign.

Gambian youngsters Abdoulie “Kenny” Mansally and Sainey Nyassi suffered a series of problems – including visa issues, lost baggage and a huge difference in weather from west Africa to New England – after they were snapped up in the offseason. Their impact on the Revs has been immediate, helping the team rack up impressive victories over the two-time MLS champion Houston Dynamo and in-form Kansas City Wizards on the road.

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