Senegal’s victory was not merely a sporting achievement. It was a national moment—forging unity across class, region, and generation; restoring belief; and projecting a confident African identity to the world. Football, in that moment, became a language spoken by an entire nation, understood without translation, and shared without division. The spirit of sport and victory brings together even opposing political classes or parties in a country, as it happened in Senegal when opposition leaders were invited to the State House by President Faye to celebrate the occasion.
Sport, Mr President, has this rare quality: it compresses years of national aspiration into ninety or 120 minutes, and in doing so, reveals what is possible when preparation, discipline, and belief converge.
At the same time, this continental celebration coincided with a quieter but equally significant recognition closer to home—the co-publisher of The Point Newspaper, Pap Saine and West Coast Radio's Proprietor Peter Gomez were honoured by Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) for their roles in promoting football. Mr Saine, who has covered up to 16 Africa Cup of Nations - more than the required number of 10, was honoured as a Doyen of Sports Journalism in African Football and for his long-term service, and Mr Gomez for his legendary contribution to the development of sport in his country.
This recognition matters. It affirms that sport is not only played on the field—it is documented, interpreted, and preserved through journalism. Our sports journalists are custodians of memory. They tell the stories that outlive the final whistle. They shape how nations remember victory, process defeat, and understand progress.
Mr President, these two moments—Senegal lifting the AFCON trophy and Gambian journalists being honoured by CAF and AIPS—speak to the ecosystem of sport: athletes, administrators, journalists, fans, and institutions, all contributing to a shared continental narrative.
They also point to an opportunity for The Gambia.
Sport is a strategic national asset. It contributes to:
• Youth development and discipline
• National cohesion and identity
• International visibility and diplomacy
• Jobs and enterprise across the value chain
• Health, education, and social stability
When treated strategically, sport becomes an engine of soft power and economic opportunity, not merely entertainment.
The lesson from Senegal is instructive. Sporting success does not emerge by chance. It is built through:
• Consistent investment in grassroots development
• Professional administration and governance
• Respect for institutions and long-term planning
• Valuing all contributors, including media and technical professionals
Mr President, as we congratulate Senegal and celebrate the recognition of Gambian excellence in sports journalism, we are reminded that nation-building can be joyful, and that progress can be seen, felt, and celebrated collectively.
There is power in a football team that believes.
There is power in a journalist who documents truth over decades.
And there is power in a nation that understands sport as part of its development strategy.
May these moments inspire us to continue investing in sport - not only to win trophies, but to build character, opportunity, and national pride!
Mr President, it is therefore essential that your Government provide funds for the State Media to cover international matches of The Scorpions, as well as for more training opportunities for sports journalists of the country. Sport is no longer leisure but investment, as it brings unity, peace and development.
CAF and AIPS Africa deserve commendation, more so as these awards serve as inspiration and motivation to other African journalists.
Good day!