We congratulate Mr Kemo Ceesay on his election as President of the Gambia Football Federation and extend our good wishes to his executive. They have assumed responsibility at a time when Gambian football requires stronger financing, better administration, improved infrastructure and national unity.
Mr President, the Football Federation was established in 1952 under the leadership of Justice John Roberts Forster, who served until 1957. He was succeeded by B.O. Semega-Janneh, who, during his tenure from 1957 to 1966, made tremendous efforts to promote and develop the game.
Successive presidents and administrators have since contributed their time, expertise and personal resources to football. We respectfully remember pioneers such as Alhaji O.B. Conateh, Housainou M. M. Njie, Gabie Sosseh, Father Gough, Omar Sey, Shyben Madi, Babou Cisse, M.C. Cham, Tapha Ngum, Louis Prom and Biri Njie, among others.
We also recognise the achievements recorded during the 12-year presidency of Lamin Kaba Bajo, from 2014 to August 2026. Under his leadership, The Gambia made history by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2022 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2024.
Mr President, football is no longer merely a leisure activity. It is a major global industry capable of creating employment, attracting investment, generating foreign exchange and projecting The Gambia internationally. Greater investment, however, must be matched by accountability, professionalism and measurable results.
The Government should assume appropriate responsibility for financing the national teams, particularly their travel, accommodation, training, medical care and participation in international competitions. National teams travelling abroad should be accompanied by qualified medical personnel, communications officers and other essential technical officials.
The GFF should also modernise ticketing for international matches, especially with Caf's temporary approval to the use of the Independence Stadium last month, after a 5-year ban for not being upgraded to international standards.
Tickets should be sold in advance through secure online platforms and authorised outlets, including selected petrol stations and commercial establishments. Ticket sales should not be concentrated at the stadium on match day. This would reduce congestion, improve security, prevent fraudulent sales and provide a transparent record of match-day revenue.
Mr President, football development must extend beyond the Greater Banjul Area. Playing fields in Banjul, Serrekunda East, Serrekunda West, Brikama, Kerewan, Farafenni and Basse require urgent rehabilitation. The Government should engage development partners, including China and Türkiye, to support the construction of a modern national stadium, possibly in Lamin.
School football competitions must be revived throughout the country. In earlier times, these competitions helped discover and nurture outstanding talent. The new GFF administration should similarly support football academies, grassroots programmes, women’s football, youth development and the eventual establishment of a sustainable professional national league.
Mr President, the media must be treated as an essential development partner. The GFF communications unit should be strengthened, while GRTS should receive the resources necessary to broadcast domestic and international matches. The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia should work closely with the Federation to establish transparent accreditation arrangements.
The business community must also invest through sponsorships, broadcasting partnerships and support for football academies.
Finally, Mr Kemo Ceesay’s invitation to his former rivals, Mr Sadibou Kamaso and Colonel Musa Jammeh, to contribute to football development is commendable. Elections must end with cooperation, reconciliation and a shared commitment to the national interest.
Football unites communities, promotes peace and inspires our youth. Let us now give Gambian football the national priority it deserves.
Good day!