By Lamin Drammeh
Former Steve Biko hitman Ousman Jarju, has penned a six month contract with the Finnish second tier club, FC KTP, The Fatu Network can authoritatively confirm.
The 25-year-old striker reportedly caught the eyes of the FC KTP during a short trail there, and the Finnish club took the opportunity to hold on to the former Gambia U-17 and U-20 midfielder maestro Jarjue, nicknamed Raul.
He has since made his much anticipated debut for KTP in a 1-1 draw away to FC Kiffen of Helsinki on Monday, May 22, 2017, playing 67 minutes.
This is Jarjue’s first professional contract since leaving Spanish giants Atletico Madrid where he signed a two-year deal in 2011.
He became the first Gambian footballer to have ever moved to the Madrid club, and the second Gambian to sign in La liga after compatriot and former Gambia U-17 team mate Saihou Gassama who signed for Real Zaragoza from local club, Gambia Ports Authority.
Jarjue’s connection with the Spanish giants came during the Presidential football tournament held in Banjul back in 2011. He was impressive under the Spanish football scouts/agents and was able to produce an outstanding performance throughout the tournament. The Spanish club Atletico, through the recommendations of Steve Biko, and the scouts wasted no time before they could secure the service of the prolific midfielder Jarjue who was linked to several top European clubs in the past.
“I am happy to sign a contract with Atletico Madrid for the aim of every local footballer is to play at professional level and I consider myself lucky to be part of this success,” Jarjue was quoted as saying in an interview with this reporter at the seaview Hotel in Banjul back in 2011.
He said,“moving to Atletico Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world is the dream of every football player. They are a massive club with a lot of amazing players.”
Jarju’s move to Atletico was greeted with joy amongst Gambian football fraternity and pundits who has followed his progress with keen interest.
But he has struggled to hold down a regular first team place at the Spanish giants and eventually became surplus to requirement that led to his relegation to the Seconda Bay league, next to the Spanish second division in order to find form and shape for the bigger challenge.
Raul started his career with Dahaba FC, at a very early age and made his first top league football when he signed for the Gambia division two side Latdior.
He ended his two-year spell with Latdior to join Steve Biko, who he credited for helping to transform his career and made him one of the deadliest attacking forces the country have known.
He continued to make a positive mark at Biko which saw him earn a call-up to the Gambia national U-17 team where he formed an unstoppable partnership with former Saint Etienne goal machine and top striker Ebrima Bojang.
The former Real de Banjul player Bojang has had a brief but impressive career as a footballer but was forced to hang up his boots due to persistent knee and ankle injuries which required surgery.
The lanky forward Bojang, recently announced his desire to come out of retirement amidst public outcry from the darling Gambian fans who once felt in love with the Bakau born star footballer and wants to see him back in action once again.
Jarju was part of the Gambia U-20 team that represented the West African nation at the CAF African U-20 Youth Tournament held in South Africa, in 2011.
