Mr. Touray stated that authorities should engage CAF for additional technical and financial assistance to expedite the process.
He called on the authorities to invest massively in grassroots development and also promote school-level sports competitions to identify and nurture young talents.
He pointed out that The Gambia should support football academies with funding, technical expertise and enhance national team preparation.
Mr. Touray revealed that The Gambia should organise more international friendly matches and training camps to improve match readiness.
He stated that The Gambia should also focus on skills development, particularly in goal-scoring and defensive strategies.
Mr. Touray further stated that the country should reduce the financial burden of overseas matches by prioritising stadium readiness to host home matches.
He said that the funds allocated would effectively cover the team’s needs, including accommodation and logistics.
Mr. Touray pointed out that the state media should be included in team delegations to ensure comprehensive match coverage for fans.
He called for the usage of the media to foster national pride and support for the team.
Mr. Touray also called for conferences where stakeholders, government, sports associations, journalists and former athletes will identify challenges and outline solutions.
He further stated the need to develop a long-term strategic plan for sports development in The Gambia.
He revealed that The Gambia should create a National Sports Development Fund and also establish a fund to support infrastructure development, athlete training and international participation.
Mr. Touray urged the authorities to encourage public-private partnerships to boost investment in sports.
He added that The Gambia should begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Nations of Cup early by scouting talent, securing funding and arranging high-quality training opportunities.
Mr. urged The Gambia to use the World Cup qualifiers as a learning and growth opportunity.
He stated that improving The Gambia’s sports infrastructure and performance requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
He further stated that Sport is not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool for national unity, economic growth and international recognition.
‘‘Prioritising these initiatives will not only elevate The Gambia’s sporting achievements but also inspire a new generation of athletes and fans,’’ Touray said.
Football in The Gambia stands at a pivotal moment. Despite the passion of our fans, the talent of our players, and the potential of our national teams, our journey to football excellence continues to be undermined by one critical deficiency: the absence of a functional, CAF- and FIFA-compliant home stadium. The Independence Stadium, once a symbol of national pride, remains unfinished, outdated, and below international standards—forcing our teams to play their 'home' matches abroad.
Gambian football star Musa Barrow recently articulated what many players and supporters have felt for years: “We’re not playing from home, and it’s affecting us a lot. Not having a home ground in these AFCON and World Cup qualifiers hurt us. When we play at home, we have a better chance to win and qualify.”
Meanwhile, The Point newspaper’s Good Morning Mr President highlighted the challenges and opportunities surrounding football development in The Gambia.
The challenges and opportunities surrounding football development in The Gambia are:
Dismal Performance of National Teams: The elimination of U17, U20, and Senior Teams highlights the need for better preparation, infrastructure, and management.
Independence Stadium Renovation Delays: Despite significant financial investments (280 million dalasis), the national stadium still fails to meet FIFA and CAF standards, forcing teams to play home matches abroad.
Financial Burden of Overseas Matches: Playing in Morocco adds logistical and financial strain, impacting team performance and draining resources.
Lack of Home Advantage: The absence of home crowd support and fatigue from travel contribute to poor results.
Insufficient Match Preparation: A lack of international friendly matches and limited opportunities for team development put the Scorpions at a disadvantage.
Need for a National Sports Conference: A collaborative platform is required to address the challenges, strategise solutions and foster a shared vision for sports in The Gambia.
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