By Lamarana S. Jallow
Sports, especially football, is a unifier and in The Gambia both government and private sector should support so that it shifts from a public to a private-financed sector,” said Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports (MOYS).
Minister Badjie, who doubles as the Chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee (NCC), made this remark last week when he paid a visit to the Gambian AFCON delegations in their various hotels in Yamoussoukro. He used the opportunity to show appreciation to the delegation for their efforts and support towards the AFCON.
Commenting on the first match against Senegal, he said it was very tough but notwithstanding it was meant to motivate the supporters to be very positive. He said losing the first game does not determine the country’s status in the tournament.
He thanked the sponsors and everyone who contributed towards Gambia’s participation in this year’s AFCON.
The Sports Minister urged the delegation to be patient and to respect the rules and laws of Côte D’ voire, including the stadium regulations.
Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, the President of the Gambia Football Federation, thanked the delegations for their patience and dedication to supporting the Scorpions and The Gambia as a whole, while urging them to not be dispirited by the first game’s results.
He acknowledged government’s continuous support to the team while recognising the good support received from the private sector as well.
Pap Yusupha Njie, Chairman of the logistics committee thanked the delegations for their hard work and mutual understanding which he described as a show of respect and support for the team. He requests the delegation to continue having positive team spirit at all times.
Momodou Lamin Sanyang, a member of the Scorpions Fans Club; Lamin Tambedou, a representative of Trust Bank; Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay of the National Assembly, all narrated the support and understanding among the delegation and the support the NCC rendered to them upon their arrival. They thanked government for the huge support.
The Minister and NCC members took a tour of Cite Augustine Hotel, Hotel Etoile Dustade, and Eden Havre Hotel.
