The
President of the Republic of the Gambia His Excellency Adama Barrow on
Wednesday June 8th, received members of the Gambia Football Executive Committee
at his State House in Fajara.
The
GFF ExCO led by its President Lamin Kabba Bajo first wished the Gambian leader
a blessed Ramadan Kareem and prayed for His Excellency’s good health and
prosperity during the holy month.
“Your
Excellency I want to begin by thanking you for receiving the members of the
Gambia Football Federation despite your busy schedules”.
The
GFF boss enumerated a wide range of matters all encapsulated in the football
leadership strategic vision which according to Kabba is in conformity with
standard football practices.
He
said the GFF has a four-year plan to develop football across the country with
an inclusive stakeholder participation.
“We
are very conscious of government support in all our engagements, especially
national team duties, because government through the ministry of Youth and
Sports is the biggest partner of the GFF.”
Mr
Bajo informed the Head of State of the football leadership’s strive to building
and maximizing more playing grounds across the country because ‘no good
football can take place without proper playing grounds’.
He
reminded HE Adama Barrow about the new CAF and FIFA leaderships and said the
GFF is also in conformity with the reforms structure as in international
practice.
Mr
Bajo, nonetheless, appealed to the President for government’s support and
assistance in terms of mobility for the Federation which would be utilized by
the Technical Department, salaries of coaches and infrastructural assistance.
He
finally assured His Excellency of the football federation’s undiluted support
to his government.
In
response, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude to welcome the
football leadership at his Office.
“I
love football and follow it very well. I have been following Gambian football
and there have been ups and downs but I must thank you for the efforts you have
put in place so far.”
Mr
Barrow said he appreciate GFF’s desire to nationalize the domestic league by
2019/2020 season.
“I
think to put on board everybody is very important, for example the Super
Nawettan is very attractive and everyone want to be associated with it. So it
is important you look at that,” he told the football officials.
Barrow
reiterated his government’s position on the recent change in the country
describing it as a democratic change.
“I
will not compromise the principles of democracy. Change has happened in our country
and the New Gambia is born. It’s a democratic change. The beginning is always
difficult but we are very hopeful of a bright future for the country and there
is a lot of goodwill from the around the world.”
The
football Chief Patron shared his words of wisdom for the GFF and said “all must
come and work together for the development of the new Gambia. Follow the chain
of command and do not undermine each other.”
Mr
Barrow finally assured the GFF of his personal and government support to the
cause of football development.
“We
will give you support because Gambia has talents and a lot of potentials”.
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