We
welcome the initiative of the Minister of Sports Hon. Henry Gomez not to
dissolve the Gambia Football Federation. Dissolving the federation will cause
Gambian football set backs in terms of funding; from FIFA. Not only that the
Gambia could be suspended for two or three years in all regional and
international competitions organized by CAF and FIFA, but will need to start
all-over-again. This will affect our standard in African football, which is not
satisfactory at the moment.
We
need the Gambia Football Federation to work closely with the ministry to avoid
any kind of miscommunication. The ministry and the GFF should at the same time
see how they can make changes for the development of football in the Gambia by
recruiting technical minded people to assist our coaching staff.
A
national conference will be necessary with all stakeholders to address the
issues that Gambian football is facing.
It
should be noted that the institution itself and the recipient, which is GFF
should be accountable and manage their reputational risk, and monitor all FIFA
projects. Now football is more commercial that needs investors to bring
sponsorship so we can achieve results.
We
commend MGI who for the past years was sponsoring football but parted with
government, This affects the running of football in the country. Government
should invest more in sports, particularly football which is the most popular
game in the world.
The
officials of the ministry should work in cordial relations with GFF. Sometimes
tongue and teeth clash but they still stay together. Dissolving GFF will not
solve any problem but will cause harm to Gambia football.
Our
main advice to the two parties; the Ministry of Sports and GFF is work together
for the best interest of national sports particularly the beautiful game,
football.
The
ministry should look at private sector to sponsor the game and make Gambia
clubs and the national teams enter all African competitions as well as ensure
qualification to the world cup.
“Well
done is better than well said.”
Benjamin
Franklin
