Gambian Player Claims Senegalese Second Division Is Tougher Than Gambia’s Top-tier

Article by Tumany Colley

Bintou Dembele, former Blue Ninjas basketball player, currently plays for a second-tier side in Senegal, ASUC of the University of Assan Seck in Ziguinchor. She was playing in the first division when she was in The Gambia. But according to her, the Senegalese second tier is way more competitive than even the Gambia’s top-tier.

When queried why she’s playing in the Senegalese second division when she was a first division player in The Gambia, she reacted;

“Concerning about I playing in the first division in The Gambia and second division; truth be told, their second division is more tough than our first division in The Gambia, honestly speaking”, she said.

She stated that the Senegalese league both is physically and mentally more challenging. “It’s just a different thing…but it’s a great experience. I need more of this thing. It helps you change your mentality.”

She praised the professionalism in the Senegalese female league, as she looks up to a lot of women for guidance.

“I look up to a lot of women out there who are playing, and their basketball is just awesome. You know you have a lot of great players out there who you can look up to…doing the moves that they do. It is a plus in my career as a basketball player, and I hope to have more of this.”

She reported that the team helps her improve both offensively and defensively. The many female players in Senegal also makes her realise that she has to work much harder than she ever did.

Fellow compatriot, Ida Sanneh, also plays for the AZUC team. They hope to finish in the top two of the league so they can qualify for the finals, which will be played in Dakar.