Since the announcement of the tragic loss of life of Bakary S. Touray, fondly called โBarakaโ or โGerrardโ, tributes and condolences have dominated the Gunjur Sports Development Forum and other related WhatsApp Groups to express their sorrow in the death of Bakary who was a well known footballer in the sprawling coastal settlement of Gunjur.
Bakary played football for and Captained his boyhood club Santos United FC, represented Gunjur in national competitions, worked as a coach for Gunjur United FC and Santos United FC before embarking on the perilous journey dubbed โBackwayโ to Europe. He was unable to make it after fighting for his life upon arrival in Spain. He died a few days ago.
Reacting to the news of the death of Bakary Touray, Bubba Touray posted in the GDF Bantaba:
โ The menacing venom of death had overpowered my brother.ย
I heard about the irreparable lost but I couldn't phantom it.
I cried in pain deep down in me not to make it public, for I was to console those little ones crying out loud.
It could ย have been evitable supposed his death was not destined in the seas.We could have done something to avert the lost of our dear brother. But Allah does what He wants.
May He grant him Jannatul Firdaws, ameen.โ
Also commenting on the passing of Bakary, one Janneh B wrote:
โIt's a bitter pill to swallow, man proposed and God disposed, great man with glittering abilities. May Allah the omnipotent and omniscient grant you ease and make Jannah your final abode with all departed souls ๐๐ฅฒ๐ฅฒ๐ฅฒโ
Gunjur United FC, a team Bakary worked with as part of their technical team wrote on their Facebook page:ย
โ We regret to announce the untimely passing of our former technical member Bakary S. Touray, who died in the sea while on a journey to Spain.ย
Bakary was a committed and hardworking technician with a greater understanding of the techniques and tactics of the game which he used to reshape the team during his time with us.ย
The entire team is shocked by this sad news. The Management sends their condolence to the family of Bakary while praying for his soul to rest in eternal peace.โ
France based โsgibsaโ simply wrote:
โ @โจDembo Karl Tourayโฉ: May Allah SWT have mercy on his soul and grant him a place in Jannah.
BAKARY S. TOURAY also known as BARAKAH played and captain his boyhood club Santos Utd and won the league title and the Super Cup for them. He also represented Gunjur at the Super Nawettan before hanging his boots to become a coach at Gunjur United and Santos United. He is currently the Head Coach of Santos Utd in the ongoing nawettan. A legend for club and community, may Allah SWT bless him.โ
Mariama Jobe added: โ Baraka have gone so soon a homble n respectful brother n a good Muslim very sad May Jannah b his next home Touray moriโ
Bakary S. Touray is one of the growing number of Gambian youths who have recently died trying to reach Europe through the โBackwayโ on board wooden canoes.
Another young man, Mamudou Jallow from Gunjur New Town also died trying to reach Spain in a similar manner.
May the Almighty God disregard their humanly shortcomings and grant them and other departed the highest of Jannahtul firdaws.