It would be recalled that the Independence Stadium was completed and handed over to government on 1st July 1983, and the first local official match was played on 13 November 1983 - an FA Cup final between Starlight and Hawks. That final ended 1-all draw, and the first footballer who scored at the stadium was Muhammed Kujabi of Hawks, who won the FA by a penalty shootout 6-5. A brilliant footballer of Starlight, the late Edacarr Bah, missed his penalty.
However, the stadium was officially inaugurated on 20th January 1984 and was named the Independence Stadium, an occasion to which countries were invited - Guinea Bissau, Ghana, and Mauritania. And in the first international match played at the stadium between The Gambia and Sierra Leone, Ensa Faye of The Gambia scored in the 38th minute of the first half against Mauritania.
Mr President, in February 2022, The Gambia and 22 African countries were banned from hosting CAF and FIFA competitions because their stadia were not in good standard to host international matches. The last senior international match that The Gambia played on home soil was on 25 March 2021, defeating Angola 1-0 in the African Qualifiers. But on 3rd May this year, CAF permitted The Gambia to play an U23 home match of CHAN with Algeria, which ended goalless.
Since the ban in 2022, the stadium has been under renovation for nearly three years now. Gambians are therefore growing restless. Next year, 2026, will mark four years of promises without delivery. How long must we wait before our only football stadium is fully renovated and certified to host international matches? The nation deserves to see its heroes play on Gambian soil.
Mr President, on September 4 this year, the patriotic community of Lamin Town donated a vast expanse of land for a new National Stadium. This gift reflects the passion and hope of Gambians who want to see football’s future secured. But when will the first brick be laid? How soon will the Scorpions play in a modern, world-class stadium in Lamin?
Mr President, the renovation of the Independence Stadium and the construction of a new National Stadium must become a national imperative. Sport is not a luxury; it is an investment, a unifying force, a youth employment driver, and a powerful platform for branding The Gambia. We cannot continue to celebrate victories abroad while denying our people the joy of cheering their team at home.
The solution is not beyond reach. Innovative financing mechanisms exist - in Public-Private Partnerships, blended finance, and infrastructure bonds. Gambian expertise in structuring such deals exists and has been deployed successfully in other countries. Why not here at home? We could also seek support from the Chinese and Turkish governments for the construction of the new stadium in Lamin.
Mr President, the Scorpions have done their part by stinging hard in Kenya. Now the ball is in your court. Deliver the stadiums — finish the renovation, start the new construction — and give Gambians the homecoming celebration they deserve.
It must be mentioned that the away matches have greatly affected the performance of our boys since they lack momentous home support as they play away. A permanent solution is therefore required urgently.
Good day!