Widely known as “Mille Franc” (Thousand Franc), the popular Gambian wrestler, died last Friday when his boat capsized in the Mediterranean in his attempt to reach Italy.
“His plan was to cross to Italy by boat,” Nying said while recounting how the wrestler had left for Libya in 2014 to prepare for the journey.
Mille Franc made his debut in early 2012, working under Coach Nying of Club Serrekunda Gome Saboppa, in the outskirts of the Gambia’s capital, Banjul.
Matarr Saine, a spokesman for the Gambia Wrestling Federation, expressed grief of the whole wrestling community “He was one of the most disciplined wrestlers in the country and he was really committed to the sport,” he said.
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“We are discouraging young people, especially wrestlers, from embarking on this risky journey. It is claiming the lives of our sportsmen and women who can contribute positively to national development,” Matarr Saine advised.