Sheriff Gomez, Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, yesterday at the Joint Officers Mess in Kotu, president over the launch of a Marketing Committee, as part of preparations for The Gambia U-17 participation in Algeria in March.
SoS Gomez, in his launch statement, lauded the initiative describing it as worthy of emulation by any national association. He commended the GFA Marketing Sub-committee and reminded them of the enormous task ahead of them.
"All the fraternity in football must take their parts seriously. We need the contribution of all Gambians as the players have done their part by ensuring that they are in the finals so we must complement their efforts," he stated
He pointed out that the Department of State for Youths and Sports is now on a drive to look for excellence in sports. The idea is not been able to compete but to win trophies for Gambians.
Deputising for the President of The Gambia Football Association, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, the vice president of The Gambia Football Association called on the public and the private sector to invest in the players calling it a national investment.
He re-affirmed GFA's continuous strides in working with other stakeholders in sports development in ensuring that Gambian football is at its highest standard.
He said, "GFA will do everything possible together with the Department of State for Youths and Sports to support the participation of the Gambia U-17 side in Algeria"
Being the only national side that qualified for an international competition, the GFA No.2 is confident that the players will not let the nation down and congratulated team members for this achievement.
He seized the opportunity to call on Gambians to support the gallant U-17 team adding " at least if every Gambian can contribute D5.00, we will have enough to take care of the team in their training camp and in Algeria".
The marketing committee headed by Major General Lang Tombong Tamba , Vice president of The Gambia Football Association includes; Omar Danso of Africell, Ousman Wadda of GPA, Gibi Bah and Habib Jeng, Businessmen, Abdoulie Jallow of Central Bank, Sirra Walli Njie of Nawec, Malang Jassey Director of Youths and Sports, Lamin Manga , Modou Lamin Drammeh and Kemo Ceesayof The Gambia Football Association.