Saidy Janko will play for Gambia
Saidy Janko will play for Gambia
Switzerland-born Real Valladolid defender Saidy Janko says The Gambia’s qualification for the
Africa Cup of Nations had a significant impact on his decision to represent the Scorpions.
The marauding full-back made his international debut in September in a friendly against Sierra Leone, after joining up with his
new team-mates for the first time that month.
Scorpions coach Tom Saintfiet has been busy scouting players of Gambian descent to add to his squad before the country’s first-ever
appearance at the Nations Cup.
The west Africans have been drawn in Group F alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, Mali and Mauritania for the tournament,
which begins in Cameroon on 9 January.
“I’m 26, so it’s an amazing opportunity,” Janko said. “After all these years, to qualify, for such a small country, is outstanding.”
Janko who was born in Switzerland to a Gambian father and an Italian mother, has only been to The Gambia once before – in 2000.
“My father has his family over there and he always said: ‘It’s your decision if you play for Switzerland or The Gambia.’
“Now is the right moment to choose Gambia. I’m very close with my father and I talked to him about my decision, and he supports me.”