Regarded as one of the most promising young stars in Gambian football currently, Alieu Barry grew up in Nema Kunku were he played street football with his two older brothers. As a child, football was what he had passion for.
“All my family members loved football and I was encouraged since childhood to play football,” he tells The Chronicle.
In 2013, Alieu launched his career with Team Rhino Football Club in the 3rd Division where he became an instant hit thanks to his mastery of goal-scoring and promising glimpses of talent. He was revered for his flair in front of goal and gutsy flair. In his first 39 games, he scored 31 goals for Team Rhino, a feat he credited his teammates for.
“Rhino was a family for me. All the players helped each other to excel. I was able to score all the goals thanks to them.”
In 2016 just after two years with Rhino, the attacker was spotted by Sporting Real, a local 2nd Division side. At 14, he left Rhino for the new club where he quickly became one of the most gifted young players to play for them. From the beginning, it was clear to the club that Alieu was on course for a big future. He instantly provided Sporting Real with the capable playmaking edge that was missing before his arrival.
“Alieu Barry is a promising talent. He’s one of the most disciplined and hardworking young players I have worked with in the last years in the country,” says Sporting Real Saihou Njundu Manjang.
“Alieu is that player who wants to score goals week in, week out and he is never satisfied with the number goals he scores in a match. He is always eager to score more.”
Manjang also hails Alieu’s game reading ability and how he changed his game to an entirely new level. “There are many strikers in my team and they are all good strikers. But Alieu’s tactical awareness has helped the team a lot.”
Alieu has brought some sizzle to the National Division Two League where he’s currently the top goal scorer with 16 goals.
“I feel proud to lead the scoring chart. It’s all about commitment and dedication and also following the instructions of my coach,” the young attacker tells The Chronicle.
Tipped for greatness, Alieu is now dreaming of playing in the national team and then professional football in Europe.
