The Gambia Volleyball Federation under the guidance and support of H.E. Tijan Jaiteh on Sunday unveiled Italian Coach Roberto Farinelli as the new coach of the Female national volleyball team.
The new coach is expected to guide the female national team for the next four years. As part of his mandate, he would help the team qualify and prepare ahead of international championships.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Tijan Jaiteh expressed delights of being associated with volleyball, adding that his appointment as Sports Ambassador is a special role to him.
“I look forward to more collaborations with The Gambia Volleyball Federation and other federations in the country,” he said.
He added that prior to his appointment as Sports Ambassador, his focused was the development of all sports in the country.
He explained that after his recent appointment, he contacted friends in Italy to discuss Gambian sports and with the support of The Gambia Volleyball Federation’s president, he was able to secure the services of the coach.
According to him, his aim is to give equal development opportunities to all sporting associations and federations in the country.
Bai Dodou Jallow, president Gambia Volleyball Federation described the day as very important and special for Gambian volleyball.
“This is huge for us even though we have been growing over the years with a lot of development particularly with regard to young male and female players. The result of our male and female volleyball team have been great even at international level,” he said.
He pointed out that they have gained tremendous successes without a foreign coach and hope to even gain more now with the new coach.
Mr. Jallow further said that to achieve even greater success in international competition, there is need to have a qualified and technical coach within the midst of the good coaches we already have in the country.
According to him, having an Italian volleyball coach for the female national team is a moral boost for the volleyball federation and the team as well.
He also said that Italy is one of the most developed countries when it comes volleyball in the world and as such, having an Italian coach would further develop Gambian volleyball.
“The Italian volleyball league is the number one league in the world. All the best players in the world, from Brazil, France amongst others converge in Italy to play their professional volleyball career,” he went on.
Therefore, he said it is a very big development for The Gambia to get its technical personnel to come from Italy.
Mariama Sowe, captain of the female national volleyball team thanked Tijan Jaiteh for securing the services of a foreign coach for them.
About Coach Roberto Farinelli
Roberto Farinelli is a high caliber volleyball coach who has worked for over 18 years. He is currently coaching in the Italian Volleyball Serie B (Second Division).
He has a vast experience working with other European countries national team such as Slovenia volleyball national team, and a brief stint in Turkey. He also has tremendous knowledge and experience in youth development and development of young players.
