Over D12 million Football House for Gambia

Friday July 22nd 2004 turned a new page in Gambia’s history as it blessed the smallest West African state with the best, dynamic and visionary leader, President, Dr Alhagie Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh. Since then Fridays have brought lot of blessings to the Gambia.

The latest was last Friday when the Gambia Football Association were officially handed over a Football House worth $450,000 (D12, 150,000), the first time in 55-year of Football history in The Gambia.

The FIFA Development officer Sampon Kablan, who arrived in The Gambia mid-week to preside over the ceremony, handed over the keys of the administrative building to the President of The Gambia Football Association, Seedy MB Kinteh.

Shortly before the handing over, Permanent Secretary Mr Ebou Joof, deputising for the Secretary of State for Youths, Sports and Religious Affairs,  Sheikh Omar Faye, expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to FIFA for providing the building, which is in general for the government and football fraternity of the Gambia.

He commended FIFA for coming to the aid of The Gambia, citing the numerous projects the country is benefiting from the world football governing body.

He expressed optimistic that in future the Gambia will benefit a lot from FIFA, adding that despite numerous constrains The Gambia has always been managing to run its activities.

Seedy M.B Kinteh, President of the Gambia Football Association in his remarks highlighted the significance of the new building, which he said would give them the opportunity to run the affairs of football under one room.

He commended President Jammeh for providing the land and for his commitment and contribution to football.

He said “I would like to thank the FiFA President, Mr Joseph S. Blatter for his special and unique contribution to the development of Football in The Gambia and the world at large”

Mr Kinteh paid a special tribute to Mr. Sampon Kablan, Fifa Development officer, for his expert advise and his incredible effort and firm commitment to the development of football in the Gambia.

“The consultant and the contractors also deserved a special mention in putting up such a magnificent and the state of the art structure,” he concluded.

Speaking to a team of journalists in a Press conference after the handing over and a conducted tour of the building, Sampon Kablan, FiFA Development Officer, expressed satisfaction with the project, highlighting that maintenance is key to its sustainability.

He noted that for the successful construction of the building and furnishing, FiFA provided $400,000 while the Gambia Football Association contributed $50,000.

Commenting on Gambian football, Mr Kablan said that the game is progressing compared to the nineties.

But Mr Kablan released a strait warning that the yearly $250,000 FIFA subvention to national associations should not at any time be used for National teams

“The money is for Football development and maintenance purposes and not for national teams, which is the sole responsibility of government,” he stressed.