A-three-day basic football coaching course for nawetaan coaches in Serrekunda East organised by the Gambia Football Coaches Association (GFCA) yesterday ended at the Serrekunda East Sports Development Organisation (SESDO) conference hall in Serrekunda.
Speaking to reporters, Pa Samba Mbenga, president of the GFCA, said the course was the second training they had organised for nawetaan coaches ahead of the nawetaan. He added that they are also planning to organize another one in Brikama.
“The coaches responded very well during the course knowing that it is in their interest to develop their capacities,” he added.
Alagie Nyassi, secretary general of SESDO who doubles as the coordinator of the course, said when they took office in 2009 they promised to develop sports within the zone, saying that was why they came up with the course to capacitize their nawetaan coaches.
Asked what impact the training of coaches would have on the nawetaan, he said: “This training will do a lot in our competition because if the coaches are knowledgeable they will help the players, which will give us attractive football.”
Asked why they didn’t combine the basic training course with an administrative one, he said: “Last year we organised an administrative course and that is why we came up with this one separately this year. I expect the coaches to grow after this course.”
While urging the coaches to continue to upgrade their skills stop here, Nyassi added that if they wanted to become coaches they should join the GFCA so they could grow to higher heights.
Basiru Taal, a team representative from Ball Conge FC, said they had met their expectations of taking part in the course. “This training will boost my moral as a coach,” he said, adding that their aim this season “is to win both the league and the knockout trophies”.
Asked how prepared are they for the Super Cup final to be played between them against United Stars FC on Friday, he said: “We are coming to win because we are prepared both mentally and physically for that game.”
Sada Njie, also a participant in the course representing BJ Academy FC, said the course went well, adding that he had met his objectives of taking part in the course.
He stated that last season he had young players in this team but added that with the experience some of his players had gained in the first and second seasons, including their participating in the nawetaan last year, they would win both trophies this year.
“As a coach you should be confident in yourself,” he said, noting that the Serrekunda East Committee are well determined and are doing well in ensuring sport is developed in the zone.
Ansumana Jammeh, also a participant representing Medina FC in the course, began by thanking the Serrekunda East Committee for giving them the opportunity to develop their capacity as young coaches in the game.
“I have met my objectives because I have learned a lot of things that I did not know before this course,” he said, adding: “We will see more organised football in this year’s nawetaan. We are heading for the league trophy this season because that is the major trophy.”
He also urged everyone to exercise maximum discipline during the nawetaan. “Trouble has no place in football,” he concluded.
