Sulayman Sowe Gets a Hero’s Welcome from Shine Stars Academy

Sulayman Sowe was given a special welcome by Shine Stars Football Academy on Saturday, with players forming a guard of honour for the Gambian footballer before a Greater Banjul Area Football Tour match against Gambinos Stars Africa. The ceremony recognised Sowe’s recent achievement with The Gambia’s under-20 national team at the 2026 WAFU A U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Mali. The academy’s gesture put the young player in the spotlight ahead of the local fixture. Sowe comes from Basse Kaba Kama in the Upper River Region and plays for Hawks Football Club. His appearance in the national under-20 side has brought fresh attention to his progress in the game. Shine Stars’ tribute also served as a public nod to Gambian players making an impact beyond their home communities. For Sowe, the guard of honour offered a warm moment of recognition from fellow footballers and supporters before the match began.