The Gambia Football Federation on Wednesday 14th February 2018 has presented cheque totaling D1.5M to all league Clubs as part of the support extended to teams playing in the domestic league for both male and female. The second installment was part of the federation’s earlier promise which according to the GFF President is now an ‘obligation’ hence it is proclaimed at the Federation’s pre season meeting with club owners at the beginning of the domestic season in October 2017.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the GFF Secretariat in Kanifing, GFF President Lamin Kabba Bajo reminded the clubs that GFF is funded by FIFA in most parts of their activities and ‘ except for the few instances where the federation earns locally’, Kabba pointed. Kabba said as part of the ‘Contract of Agreed Objectives’, the Gambia can be proud of itself for been one of the two countries in Africa benefiting from the project . He said the project is meant to support clubs, Regions and to further rehabilitate the playing grounds. ‘As you prepare for the second round of matches in the League,we are obliged to fulfill our earlier promise and today is another day for us to present the second installment of money while we grave your indulgence and patience for the next disbursement which would be effected sooner rather than later’, President Bajo said. As club owners according to Mr Bajo, a lot of constraints are been confronted which impedes the speedy growth of the clubs. He said the hardship that is faced by clubs in the Gambia is daunting and as such ‘ we as a federation have a moral and primary responsibility to organize a League and make it functional’. He revealed that FIFA maintains that no member federation would access funds from the global football governing body without organizing a functional league.
Mr Bajo assured clubs that the GFF will continue to support their programs as a major preoccupation for the Football House while reminding the stakeholders to make proper and judicious use of the funds for what it is intended for. ‘We pledged to also introduce a professional league in the future but it is our responsibility to strengthen our league system both technical and administration which could be a step towards reaching that aim’.
Earlier on GFF General Secretary Lamin M Jassey thanked the Football federation for the laudable initiative describing the GFF gesture as ‘easing the burden on the clubs’. He said one of the primary aims of the GFF is to promote and develop football and as such called on the club owners to take their participatory stands in the development of football in the country. Mr Jassey said the GFF must be praised for the tremendous efforts injected into the improvement of clubs’ management for their‘effectiveness and efficiency levels’.
Rtd Lieutenant General Lang Tombong Tamba gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the club managers. Mr Tamba commended the GFF for the kind gesture and said it is beffiting to salute the GFF for the big milestone. ‘ Clubs are supported by many but financially by few’. General Tamba assured the GFF on behalf of his colleagues that the monies would be properly utilized for the purpose it is meant for while further assuring the GFF of their unflinching support and cooperation with the leadership at all times.
Each of the 1st Div Male and Female Clubs received D50,000:00 while 2nd Div Clubs Male and Female also received D30,000: 00 each.
The first installment presented to clubs amounted to D2.6M earlier disbursed at the beginning of the season. The third and final installment is expected to be effected soon.