Immigration set for title defence

The defending champions of the 9th edition of the National Inter-departmental Sports Association Football Tournament (NISA), Immigration Department, will start the defence of their title when they rub shoulders with Kombo Beach at the Serrekunda West Mini-Stadium on Friday, Pointsport has reliably gathered.

Immigration, who enjoyed a 1-nil win over the Gambia Ports Authority in a pulsating final to claim last year's title, are expected to face a stern competition from Africell, Kombo Beach and the Daily Observer in group A.

The Immigration side were the champions of the recently ended regional football tournament held in Thies with a decisive victory over Dakar in an action-packed final.

Meanwhile, group B that also comprises four teams, will see Gampost meet Gambega, Nawec and the hotel boys, Seaview.

National Aids Secretariat, Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Gambia Armed Forces and Gambia Radio and Television Services are pitted in group C, while group D consists of Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, Sheraton Hotel, Gambia Fire and Ambulance Services and Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Group E includes, GPA, SSHFC, NDEA and Gamtel.

Sources close to the tournament have told Pointsport that the fate of Group F would be decided on Wednesday.

The tournament will begin with the involvement of female teams when Gamtel/Gamcel female team face Gambia Immigration Department female team at 4pm.

The tournament will start in the form of a match-past commencing at the former IEC house along

The president of NISA, Buba Sagnia, is expected to deliver a speech which will eventually pave the way for the commencement of the tournament.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sheriff ML Gomez, the Interior Minister, Ousman Sonko, the Speaker of the National Assembly and a host of other dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.