Gambia: Kitty United clinches president Barrow Inter-Kabilo Peace Football Tournament
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Kitty United FC emerged champions of the President Adama Barrow Inter-Kabilo Peace Football Tournament after defeating Brikama Nema UTD in a tightly contested final at the Box Bar Mini Stadium in Brikama on Sunday, May 11, 2026.
The tournament, sponsored by President Adama Barrow, brought together 24 teams from Brikama and surrounding villages in the West Coast Region to promote unity, peace, and youth engagement through sports. Over several weeks of competitive fixtures, teams battled for a place in the final, with Kitty United and Nema UTD proving to be the strongest sides.
The final match drew a large crowd of supporters, local leaders, and government officials. After a spirited 90 minutes, Kitty United FC secured victory and took home the giant trophy, gold medals, and a cash prize of D75,000. Runners-up Nema UTD received D50,000 in recognition of their performance throughout the competition.
Spectators described the final as a display of community pride and sporting talent, with both teams playing with intensity and sportsmanship. The atmosphere at Box Bar Mini Stadium reflected the tournament’s goal of using football as a tool for social cohesion in the West Coast Region.
The Inter-Kabilo Peace Football Tournament was initiated by President Barrow to foster unity among communities in the West Coast Region and to provide young people with positive engagement opportunities. The event has become an annual fixture on the regional sports calendar, bringing together players and fans from diverse backgrounds.
Speaking at the final, officials praised the initiative for its role in strengthening community ties and giving young athletes a platform to showcase their abilities. The presence of Cabinet ministers, the West Coast Region Governor, district chiefs, alkalos, and members of the Brikama Sports Committee underscored the government’s commitment to the program.
“This tournament is about more than football,” said a representative of the Brikama Sports Committee. “It’s about building relationships between communities, keeping young people engaged, and promoting peace through healthy competition
Since its inception, the tournament has grown in both scale and significance. This year’s edition featured 24 teams, with matches held across multiple venues before culminating at Box Bar Mini Stadium. Organizers said the competition has helped identify emerging talent while reinforcing messages of peace and cooperation in areas that have experienced inter-community tensions in the past.
Youth leaders in Brikama noted that events like the Inter-Kabilo tournament provide alternatives to idleness and reduce the risk of youth involvement in anti-social activities. Several players from previous editions have gone on to join local and national clubs, highlighting the tournament’s role as a talent pipeline.
With the conclusion of this year’s tournament, organizers are already planning for the next edition, with hopes of expanding participation and improving facilities. President Barrow’s office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting grassroots sports as part of broader efforts to promote national unity and youth development.
For Kitty United FC, the victory marks a milestone for the club and the Kitty community. Celebrations continued into the evening as players and supporters marked their achievement with music and community gatherings.
The tournament’s success has reinforced the view that sports remain one of the most effective tools for bridging divides and building a shared sense of purpose among Gambians in the West Coast Region and beyond.
