U-17 Coach Tarek Siagy ends tour of duty

The Gambia U-17 team Coach Tarek Siagy has come to the end of his tour of duty in The Gambia after a four-year spell with the team.

Coach Tarek who was on a technical assistance, as apart of government of The Gambia and Egypt, has won six trophies from international competitions - the most glorious of which is the Orange CAF African U-17 championship, Algeria 2009.

The famous Gambian U-17 coach who left the shores of the country yesterday with the Tarek family had a farewell dinner held in his honour by the Gambia Football Association, at the Manjai Lodge Wednesday night.

Seedy MB Kinteh, the President of the Gambia Football Association during his farewell statement held at the Manjai lodge Wednesday said, "as members of the Gambian football family, we are gathered here tonight not only to eat and drink in honour of a great brother, but to cerebrate the achievements of a great coach who has won a lot of accolades for our beloved country over the past years."

He acknowledged the numerous laurels won by the Egyptian coach with side, including re-writing history by winning the U-17 trophy last year. During the championship, the Gambian team only conceded a single goal (a penalty) to win the title for the second time after the 2005 home achievement under Ghanaian Coach Osam Duodu.

Seedy added that with these achievements it is sad that such a great coach and friend of The Gambia leaving us after serving diligently in the promotion and development of Gambian football.

"Therefore, on behalf of the Gambian football family and on my own behalf, I want to thank Coach Tarek for his great service to our nation. "Behind every great man is a great women" to his wife and son, I wish to register our appreciation to the great support you gave to your husband and father all these years. You made it possible."

He pointed out that not only has Coach Tarek who was also one time attached to the senior national team and U-20 come to the end of his contract, but his health condition was also a concern and prayed for his speedy recovery.

He thanked the government of The Gambia and Egyptian Ambassador for availing the country the opportunity to work with Coach Tarek.

The Director of Youth and Sports, Malang Jassey, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports said the success of  The Gambia U-17 team with Coach Tarek is part of the Ministry of Youth and Sports efforts to ensure best results for all national teams.

After successfully serving The Gambia, the Egyptian technician told sports personalities who attended the dinner that he can also be looked upon as The Gambia’s honorary ambassador in Egypt.

Coach Tarik and family did not only receive gifts, but also collected an attestation and recommendation letter with a certificate of appreciation from the Gambia Football Association.