Battery Sign Sanyang From Sounders
- Friday, 13 April 2012
- Written by Modou Lamin Beyai
United Soccer Leagues [USL] Professional Division [third tier] side Charleston Battery has signed Gambian midfielder Amadou “Baresi” Sanyang, Gambia Sports Online can exclusively reveal.
Originally signed at age 17 by Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, Baresi Sanyang comes to the Battery after spending the 2011 season with MLS’ Seattle Sounders. Sanyang made his debut for Toronto on his 18th birthday and played in 21 MLS regular season games over three seasons with Toronto and Seattle.
A native of Bakau, The Gambia, Sanyang, 6-0, 165 lbs., 20 yrs., began his professional career in 2007 with Gambian first division club Real de Banjul. He helped lead the City Boys to the Gambian first division championship and was named the league’s top midfielder that year. He has also represented Gambia internationally at the U-17 and U-20 levels.
“Sanyang came to us via Seattle and we are very pleased to have him as he has a tremendous upside in the central midfield. He is coded as a defensive midfielder but we will also look for him to come forward and score a few goals on free kicks and the run of play” said Mike Anhaeuser, the Battery’s Head Coach.
His play with the Gambian Under-20 National Team sparked interest among Major League Soccer clubs and in early 2009 he was signed by Toronto FC along with fellow countrymen Emmanuel Gomez [who now plays for Samger FC].
Due to his age he was initially ineligible to join the senior squad until his 18th birthday, which took place on August 1, 2009; during this time he trained with both the senior team and the TFC Academy. Sanyang made his debut for Toronto FC on August 1, 2009 as a sub vs. Sainey Nyassi and Abdoulie Mansally’s New England Revolution.
In September 2009, two French Ligue 1 clubs sent scouts to Toronto to watch him in action. Dutch club PSV Eindhoven also requested video footage. He made 14 appearances in his second year with Toronto and first full season, he was plagued with a concussion that prevented him making any appearances in the second half of the season.
On July 30, 2011, Sanyang signed with Seattle Sounders FC until of recent when he joined the Battery.