The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Kemo Ceesay, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the National Sports Council (NSC) at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. He was accompanied by GFF Second Vice President Bakary Bojang, Executive Committee members Hassan Cham and Jainaba Bah, General Secretary Lamin M. Jassey, and Finance Director Ismaila Njie.
President Ceesay expressed gratitude to the NSC officials for their warm reception and thanked the government, through the council, for its continued support of football development in The Gambia. He emphasized his vision to unify the football family under one banner, noting that collaboration is key to advancing the sport.
Highlighting preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Somalia, scheduled for 25 September 2026 at the Independence Stadium, Mr. Ceesay explained the rationale behind establishing a task force committee. “We want all stakeholders to be on board so that together we will move from the transition of temporary to permanent CAF approval of the stadium,” he said, stressing accountability and transparency.
Other issues discussed included national team engagement, budgetary planning, governance, and strategic operations. Executive committee members Jainaba Bah and Hassan Cham underscored the importance of strengthening women’s football and referee development, while General Secretary Jassey described the partnership between the GFF and NSC as mutually beneficial.
Receiving the delegation, NSC Executive Director Mahmud L. Jawla congratulated Mr. Ceesay on his election victory and commended his foresight in calling for unity. “I commend you for not only making a statement to unify stakeholders but also for manifesting it since your election,” Jawla remarked.
NSC Chairman Lamin S. Jawara welcomed the visit as a renewed moment of collaboration, urging the GFF leadership to separate sports development from politics for the growth of football. Council members Beatrice Mboge and Ebrima Manneh also praised the new GFF leadership’s vision to bring all stakeholders under one platform, pledging their commitment to work closely with the federation.
The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening ties between the GFF and NSC, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the collective development of football in The Gambia.
