The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday 20 August 2025 completed a five-day intensive FIFA Member Association (MA) elite referees course at the National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) in Old Yundum, the home of Gambian football.
The President of the Gambia Football Referees Association, John Frank Mendy, expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the referees, noting that a lot of hard work and dedication were demonstrated by all of them. He thanked the GFF President, Lamin Kaba Bajo, for the development of referees.
The Course Director and Technical Instructor, Carlos Luise Henriques from South Africa, congratulated the participants for their exceptional work. He urged them to perform very well in any competition that may be assigned to them. He also encouraged more women to step forward and accept the challenge.
Local instructor Dickory Jawo also congratulated the referees for their dedication and hard work and urged them to make the best use of the knowledge they have gained. He thanked the GFF for supporting the referees.
Participant Nfally Jarju, on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the instructors for the invaluable knowledge they imparted, especially regarding the new amendments to the law, which he said are very helpful. He also expressed gratitude to the GFF for consistently supporting referees in developing their skills.
Declaring the course closed, GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo praised all the participants for their hard work and dedication and encouraged them to continue excelling both locally and internationally.
Mr Bajo emphasised the importance of referees in football, stating that there is no meaningful football without referees. Regarding women’s participation, Mr Bajo challenged the Referees Committee to increase the number of women to fill the gap.
As a supporter of referees, he cited, he would be very happy to see more women involved in officiating. He reaffirmed the Football House’s commitment to supporting referees in their work and enhancing their capacities.
However, six women were presented with yellow, red, and FIFA badges for their outstanding performances.
The course brought together 36 elite referees, including eight women.
