The
Gambia Football Federation wishes to thank all contributors to the debate in
reaction to the GFF President’s interview aired on West Coast Radio 2 last
Monday night, 5th September, 2016, during the Radio’s weekly ‘Sports File’
programme.
The
debate, which has brought to the scene contributors of divergent views and
opinions, has produced some very wonderful ideas which could help the GFF in
the execution of its mandate of developing the Beautiful Game in the country.
However,
the GFF wishes to clarify that the statement attributed to its President, which
was misconstrued in some quarters was indeed taken out of context. In this
regard, the GFF wishes to state that its President, Mr Lamin Kaba Bajo, did not
in any way attempt to belittle, rubbish or demean any Gambian player be it
local or professional. Thus, he has high respect and regard for each and every
one of them and always appreciates their efforts and contributions to the
national cause, hence his decision to send a personal Letter of Appreciation to
each player after every match. This includes players of all National Team
categories.
In
addition, the GFF President since his assumption of office two years ago has
ensured that the Federation fully meets her obligations towards the players
before every match.
Mr
Bajo is on record to have personally made telephone calls to and spoken with
most of the known prominent Gambian players on the globe identified by the
Coach, with a view to encouraging them to accept to play for their country.
This
list includes but not limited to: Modou Barrow, Kekuta Manneh, Muhammed Keita,
Ousman Jallow…Therefore, it is an irony to think that someone who had made such
personal endeavours to establish personal contacts with these national talents
would turn against them?
Regarding
the alleged statement, the GFF wishes to inform the general Gambian football
family and stakeholders that what Mr Bajo actually meant was that; “at the time
of taking office the Federation did not have Players”. Which could be further
clarified that “there was no team (and no Coach) following the country’s
absence from international football for a while due to a suspension that was
lifted after we took over”.
Therefore,
the Federation would need some time to build a team which will be in a position
to bring the desired results for the nation; this includes participation in the
recently concluded Afcon qualifying rounds for Gabon 2017. Why would this be
interpreted as if there are no Gambians who can play football, as deliberately
distorted and interpreted by some commentators, obviously with ulterior
motives; and further debated and discussed by some that the current pool of
Gambian players are not good enough.
This
is dishonesty at the highest level. The GFF, whilst recognizing and accepting
democracy and good governance as the best model of administration, wishes to
beg the kind indulgence of all stakeholders that let not our individual and
group political affiliations drive us to ploy mischief and develop unwarranted
hatred and envy against each other. Please let the days of “If I’m not there,
or if X is not there, I will shake the boat” be behind us. Let us all consider
and accept the fact that NO SINGLE individual or group is born to lead the GFF
till posterity. Everything has time. After politics, please let us join hands
together and work for the best interest of our country and her people.
To
our detractors, whilst we are calling on you all to come onboard for us to
achieve a common goal, be assured that there is no way that you can distract
us.
The
GFF wishes to express deepest gratitude to all those who have joined in the
debate and advanced some very wonderful ideas, and also to our critics for
coming out and speaking their minds. Both would indeed serve us as a guide and
lesson for us.
Finally,
the GFF would like to reaffirm its unqualified commitment and dedication to the
development of football in The Gambia to a level desired by all.
Long
Live Football!!!
Long
Live The Gambia our Homeland!!!
