The story of Yankuba Minteh begins in the dusty streets of The Gambia, where a young boy would often find himself running after the local football team’s bus, hoping to catch a glimpse of his heroes. Little did anyone know that this fanboy, filled with dreams and determination, would one day sit on that very bus—not as a spectator, but as one of the stars.
A Childhood Against the Odds
Yankuba Minteh was born on July 22, 2004, in Bakau, a neighborhood where dreams often collided with harsh realities. Poverty was a constant companion, and many saw football as nothing more than a pastime. But for Yankuba, football was everything. From an early age, he spent countless hours at Saka West Park, honing his skills and playing against older, more experienced players.
His dedication came at a cost. Yankuba often skipped school to play football, leading to missed exams and frequent absences. His mother knew exactly where to find him whenever he was absent from class. Despite the potential consequences, Yankuba was unwavering in his passion, telling his mother, "One day, I will get you big bags full of cash."