Continuing our build up to the forth coming World Cup preliminary Match at home to Angola scheduled for Friday 6th September, we sound the reactions of GFF Technical Director Sang John Ndong in a chat with www.gambiaff.org.
Speaking to our medium at his Office, the former National Team Coach said preparations for both the home and away legs are at advance stages. ” I am very optimistic of having a better campaign this year because the materials are here with us”. He said Scorpions Coach Tom Sainfiet will arrive in Banjul on Wednesday night ahead of the Press Conference scheduled for Thursday noon at Football House where he will formally announce the final list of players and subsequent unveiling of his plans for the double header.
Commenting on the arrival of the players, Sang said ” the boys will start arriving on Saturday and Sunday over the weekend and will go to camp on Monday 2nd September”.He said having realized the tricky and tight scheduled of the home and away periods, ” the team would even fly to Angola the night of the match”. He also disclosed that the GFF in its wisdom has arranged for a special advance party to Angola for grounds preparation ahead of the team’s arrival for their convenience during the return period in Luanda scheduled for Tuesday 10th September.
He however stated that it would be unfair to compare the Gambia National team to other countries, considering the available resources and support other nations have at their disposal. “Nonetheless, we can assess ourselves to the previous games we played. We have improved better. We got so close in the last qualifiers and am optimistic of a better campaign this year” he said.
The former National team Goal Keeper and Coach urged Gambian football fans to come and cheer up the Scorpions in their opener to Angola. “Let us all come and support the team. It’s about the Gambia and everyone should be involved to take pride in our national colors,” he concluded.