Kekuta Manneh

Kekuta Manneh (born 30 December 1994 in Bakau ) is a Gambian footballer who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer as a striker.

Youth and amateur
Manneh began his career at the several youth academies, including Gilcock Academy, in the Gambia before moving to the GFA League First Division, the nation's top league. After leaving Africa in 2010, Manneh lead 2nd division Georgia Rush to the state cup quarterfinals and played for Texas Rush before signing with Lonestar Soccer Club, another youth club from Texas, for the 2011 season. Both clubs compete as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. In 2010, Manneh scored 35 goals in 23 matches for the Rush. Because of his performance with the Rush, Manneh was named to the 2010 Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team and was given a week-long training stint with the Chelsea F.C. academy. For Lonestar SC, Manneh scored 21 goals in 16 matches. In October 2011, Manneh was observed by a scout from Arsenal in a match against the FC Dallas Development Academy. Following his successful season with Lonestar SC, Manneh signed for the Austin Aztex of the Premier Development League and scored 12 goals and 9 assists in 13 matches, including a 4-goal performance against the Texas Dutch Lions on matchday 5.

Professional
Before coming to the United States in 2010, Manneh played for Steve Biko Football Club of the GFA League First Division, the highest level of football in the Gambia. Manneh helped the club finish second in the league in 2009 by scoring 17 goals in 12 matches. Despite successful trials with top clubs in the Gambia, Manneh decided to move to the United States and join the Texas-based academies. In 2012, it was reported that Manneh was on trial with the reigning Major League Soccer champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy, but was ultimately not signed to a contract. Manneh had also trained with the Colorado Rapids and clubs in England and Germany. It was reported on 10 January 2013 that Manneh had signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer and that he would take part in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. A week later, Manneh was selected fourth overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC and was automatically added to their roster since he had already signed a contract with the league. Vancouver made a trade with Toronto FC involving swapping picks and allocation money to get an earlier selection in order to draft Manneh.

International career
Because of Manneh's performances with Steve Biko FC, he was called up for the Gambia's U20 national squad for the 2011 African Youth Championship in Tripoli, Libya in March of that year. Because of political unrest in Libya, the tournament was held in South Africa from 17 April – 2 May instead.

Honors

 * PDL Southern Conference All-Conference Team: 2012