It has been a long and challenging journey, but with resilience, focus and hard work we reached this stage. This cannot be achieved without the contribution of all and sundry – the players, coach and his technical staff, my colleagues in the executive, the secretariat staff, the greater football family, volunteers/helpers, the government and of course the fans and supporters who always put us on our toes. Often our relationship gets hot and bitter but thanks to mutual respect and tolerance, we are all winners today. Let’s keep the spirit.
We understand your impatience, but despite the sometimes frustrating relationship, we remained focused on the roadmap and plans we set for ourselves. I must admit that your criticisms and complains serve as our strength and motivation.
As we embark on yet another monumental task, your prayers, criticisms and guidance are needed more today than ever before.
Finally, I wish to dedicate this achievement of the qualification of our dear country to her maiden African Cup of Nations to our gallant legends. They are the real heroes who have toiled so hard in the past to build the foundation on which we continued on till we reached this glory. I am sure, the late Alhajie Njie BIRI BIRI, Alhaji O. B Conateh, Alhaji Omar Sey, Bonou Johnson, M. l. Kabba Jallow, et al will be celebrating this joy with us in spirit, whilst the living legends like Aziz Corr, Lamin Owens, Father Laos, Tony Joiner, Star Jallow, Jatto Ceesay, Ebou Sillah, Edrissa Sonko, Paul Ogo, Star Janneh, Saul Njie, Pap Saine, Young Tijan Ceesay et al must be very happy and proud men today. We shall ever cherish the impeccable achievement of these gentlemen.
FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND
