The GFF ExCO led by its President Lamin Kabba Bajo first wished the Gambian leader a blessed Ramadan Kareem and prayed for His Excellency’s good health and prosperity during the holy month.
‘Your Excellency i want to begin by thanking you for receiving the members of the Gambia Football Federation despite your busy schedules’.
The GFF Boss enumerated a wide range of matters all encapsulated in the football leadership strategic vision which according to Kabba is in conformity with standard football practices. He said the GFF has a four year plan to develop football across the country with an inclusive stakeholder participation.
‘We are very conscious of government support in all our engagements especially national team duties, because government through the ministry of Youth and Sports is the biggest partner of the GFF’.
Mr Bajo informed the Head of State of the football leadership’s strive to building and maximizing more playing grounds across the country because ‘ no good football can take place without proper playing grounds’.
He reminded HE Adama Barrow about the new CAF and FIFA leaderships and said the GFF is also in conformity with the reforms structure as in international practice.
Mr Bajo nonetheless appealed to the President for government’s support and assistance in terms of mobility for the Federation which would be utilized by the Technical Department, salaries of coaches and infrastructural assistance.
He finally assured His Excellency of the football federation’s undiluted support to his government.
In response, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude to welcome the football leadership at his Office. ‘ I love football and follow it very well. I have been following Gambian football and there have been ups and downs but I must thank you for the efforts you have put in place so far’.
Mr Barrow said he appreciates GFF’s desire to nationalize the domestic league by 2019/2020 season. ‘ I think to put on board everybody is very important, for example the Super Nawettan is very attractive and everyone want to be associated with it. So it is important you look at that’, he told the football officials.
Barrow reiterated his government’s position on the recent change in the country describing it as a democratic change. ‘I will not compromise the principles of democracy. Change has happened in our country and the NEW GAMBIA is born. Its a democratic change. The beginning is always difficult but we are very hopeful of a bright future for the country and there is a lot of goodwill from the around the world.’
The football Chief Patron shared his words of wisdom for the GFF and said ‘all must come and work together for the development of the new Gambia. Follow the chain of command and do not undermine each other.’
Mr Barrow finally assured the GFF of his personal and government support to the cause of football development. ‘We will give you support because Gambia has talents and a lot of potentials.’