Bonu Johnson is new Scorpions coach

Highly-experienced Gambian coach, Peter Bonu Johnson, has once again been honoured with a top national coaching role, with news that he was appointed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports as the coach of the Gambia’s national football team, the Scorpions, for a period of one year.

Bonu who once took charge of the Gambia’s National U-17 team, before being handed a coaching role with the Gambia National U-20 team, is currently the head coach of GFA first division giants Gambia Ports Authority, which he guided to a top tier league championship success two years ago. 

The Youth and Sports Ministry, the body responsible for financing and appointing a coach for the Gambia national football teams, have since a few days ago issued a press release to inform the Gambian people about this latest development in Gambian football. It reads:

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has engaged the services of Mr. Peter Bonu Johnson as the coach of the Senior National Team for an initial period of one year. He will be working with a competent foreign coach within an appropriate framework. He will also work with a technical team to assist him in his duties.

Mr. Peter Bonu Johnson had previously served as coach to both the Under 17 and the Under 20 national football teams. Until his appointment, Mr. Peter Bonu Johnson was the coach of the Gambia Ports Authority football team, a first division team in The Gambia.

Mr. Johnson shall, in collaboration with the Gambia Football Association, select a national team to compete in the next AFCON matches to reach the qualification stage, and also prepare the team for the next round of World Cup qualifying matches.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports shall, through the National Sports Council, provide the necessary funds to enable the coach and the Gambia Football Association carry out their duties of developing a national team, and guiding the players in a professional manner to represent The Gambia.

The National Sports Council and the Gambia Football Association shall provide the coach with all the necessary equipment and support to enable him conduct his duties/responsibilities as per contract.

The development came barely a day after the Gambia Football Association released the final shortlist for the top job, which is expected to confirm the appointment of a foreign coach as Paul Put’s replacement in the next few days.

Bonu is expected to work closely with a foreign coach who will lead the Scorpions’ top managerial affairs.

The Scorpions top coaching job has been empty since the departure of the Belgian football tactician, coach Paul Put, at the end of October last year.