Speaking to Pointsports after the Gambia-Ghana game at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, the most topic discussed was that the FA must try all possibilities to make sure that the coach is given the maximum support by extending his contract as he has already taken Gambian football to another level and should be asked to help the U17 to avoid what happened to the U20.

Abdoulie Sarr told Pointsports that “We are very happy with his job in the short time he took over. We have seen what he has done for us today; we did not qualify but we made history in the world. It is just that the weakness of CAF. I don’t know how you can introduce a new system at the middle of a tournament, that’s not fair. Africans should know that the people governing African football are there for them self not to promote the game of football in Africa.”

Sainabou Sey who also shares her views with Pointsports said that “It is time for the Gambia to know the difference between a local coach and a foreign coach. We saw Paul in the short time he took up the team, the motivation and the spirit he put in the team I am happy that we have a coach like him. His contract should be extended to enable him to complete his job It is not late, Let him help the U-17 to qualify.”

Alieu Chama of Serekunda said that the” Gambia has a young team; a team that we know that if the coach is given time he will complete his mission. I am not happy with CAF. We should know that CAF belongs to the Franco phone countries; they always favor them. FIFA should look into such matters. It is high time the FA realised that local coaches cannot handle our teams any more. Let us beg Paul Put to assist the U-17 for them to qualify”.

Momodou Jallow a Senegalese residing in the Gambia for 30 years said that “I have been following Gambian football since and saw the difference. I am sure with the help and support of the private sector to maintain the coach he will be like Bruno Metsu who took Senegal from no where to the World Cup. It is just the surprise rules that CAF introduced that stop the Gambia but the team could have qualified since. I don’t know why these rules have been introduced, but CAF is not doing justice to African football.”

Malick Jobe said that “even if we didn’t qualify we are happy that we showed the world that football has moved now .We have a team that can compete any where. All we need is to keep the coach and give him support to know his players more and get prepared them more. He is good and has made history in the books by denying the team that beat the world stars France from not qualifying. I think we should commend him for a job well done and should be asked to help the U-17 prepare for our game in November to avoid what happened against Ghana.”

It could be recalled that the Gambia captain and his team mates urged their sponsors Africell to extend the contract of their coach because they like him and he is getting the results within the short time and believe that with the support and extending his contract he will take Gambian football to the next stage, which he has already done.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan have recently welcomed the responses the US and EU made after Taiwan’s latest UN bid and said the public could expect more countries to follow suit by expressing their support in different ways.In a statement posted on the official Web site of the US Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the US reiterated its long-standing support for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in UN agencies such as the WHO, saying “Taiwan’s inclusion would enable the international community to better address pressing global issues.”
Reports monitored by the point states that, In line with the US’ “one China” policy, the statement said: “The US supports Taiwan’s membership in international organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite, including in the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

“When membership is not possible, we are strongly in favor of arrangements that will allow the people of Taiwan to participate meaningfully in the activities of international organizations. We do not support membership for Taiwan in organizations that require statehood such as the UN,” it said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrew Hsia welcomed the US’ positive response

The US statement was posted hours after the UN’s General Committee on Wednesday rejected a proposal to include Taiwan’s bid in the 63rd General Assembly agenda

This year marks Taiwan’s 16th consecutive failure in its quest for UN representation since the China seat was taken over by the People’s Republic of China in 1971.

Taiwan this year sought nothing more than “meaningful participation” in the activities of the 16 auxiliaries of the UN Hsia said this was the first time that the US Permanent Mission to the UN has posted such a response on its Web site, although many major countries have expressed the same sentiment in private

On the issue of the WHO, the US repeated the position it has taken since 2004 that it strongly supports Taiwan’s observer status in the World Health Assembly

Meanwhile, the EU last night made a similar statement in support of Taiwan’s UN bid, hailing warming cross-strait relations and reiterating its “one China” policy.
The statement, issued by the Presidency of the EU Council, which is presided over by France at the moment, acknowledged Taiwan’s bid and said the EU “reiterates its support to Taiwan’s participation in specialized multilateral fora, especially where Taiwan’s participation is important to the EU and global interests, and it encourages both sides [Taiwan and China] to resolve this issue through dialog.

“The EU especially hopes that concrete steps could be taken, through dialog between both sides [Taiwan and China], in order to enable the meaningful participation of the people in Taiwan in the implementation of the International Health Regulations,” it said.

The Honourable Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr.Omar Alieu Touray, has said that anybody who follows The Gambia’s foreign relations under President Jammeh will appreciate the importance that The Gambia has given to its relations with Libya. “Under President Jammeh’s leadership, The Gambia championed Libya’s cause at the United Nations and other international arenas, especially during The Gambia’s membership of the Security Council. As leaders with common purpose, President Jammeh and Brother Gaddafi were among the pioneers of the African Union,” he said.   These efforts, he continued, have contributed immensely to the present situation, where Libya is no longer under sanctions and the Africa Union has not only been established, but it also enjoys confidence of the whole world as a continental institution.

The Foreign Affairs Secretary made these remarks on Tuesday at the Jerma Beach Hotel on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Fateh Revolution of the Great Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

“Indeed the venue of the present gathering is a clear testimony to the potential of Gambia-Libya cooperation, and so are the projects next door and the Atlantic Hotel, which has been taken over by the Libyan investors.

The Libyan sponsored mosques in Serre Kunda and Kotu are major religious edifices in the country, and the Sahel-Saharan Bank hold considerable promise for the financial sector of The Gambia.”

He observed that, “Libyan investment in the country in the areas of health, education, agriculture and infrastructure shows that the political will our brothers and friends in Libya have shown recently will be translated into concrete action in various sectors of the Gambian economy.”

For his part, Dr Ali Muhammad Dukaly, Secretary to the Libyan People’s Bureau (ambassador) in Banjul, said that the 1969 Libyan Revolution led by brother Col. Muammar El-Ghadafi was a blessing for the Libya. “He works hard for unity, greatness glory, and the prosperity of Africa when he has lifted the Great Jamahiriya from retrogression to progress and prosperity”. Libya, he said, was not at all considered before the revolution, because she was listed among those poor countries receiving aid, but by the Grace of Allah the Revolution, life on the ground changed in all sectors. “And here is the champion leader who supported the liberation movements in Africa to gain their independence and liberty, trying hard again to unite the black continent,” he said.

Continental unity, he emphasised, with one passport, army, central bank etc will surely overcome the problems of Africa.

He used the opportunity to hail President Jammeh champion of July 22nd Revolution for changing the lives of Gambians and joining the African struggle to realise prosperity.

The occasion was chaired by Mr. Zeyad communications officer at the Libyan embassy and was characterised by a superb reception.

Several Islamic scholars, imams, senior government officials, national assembly members, diplomats and Libyan community in The Gambia attended the celebration.

SoS Foreign Affairs Hails HE Yumkella

The good deeds in the diplomatic level by H. E. Mohamed Foday Yumkella have not gone unnoticed by the many diplomats and ordinary man in The Gambia. Adding to the many voices is Dr. Omar A. Touray SoS for Foreign Affairs at the Jerma Beach Hotel organised through the foreign office by He President Yahya A. JJ Jammeh on the occasion of the departure of the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to The Gambia. Society and Development went to find out how society was influenced by HE Mohamed Foday Yumkella’s diplomacy in his four years tenure as High Commissioner. A levelheaded politician and a focus man, he has created a lot of impact and made the difference that was not. Read on and enjoy on.

There has been several gathering for the outgoing High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to The Gambia at the end of his term of office in the country. One of these was the Foreign Affairs who organised a befitting family dinner at the Jerma Beach Hotel and sentiments expressed.

In his speech, Dr. Omar A. Touray SoS for Foreign Affairs said “His Excellency Mr. Foday Yumkella High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to The Gambia at the end of his tour of duty that has lasted for about four years now returns home.” During this period, High Commissioner Yumkella has become not only an important member of the diplomatic community in The Gambia but also a cherished member of our Gambian family, through his close association with the Gambia and thinks Gambian.

But most importantly he continued High Commissioner Yumlkella has demonstrated his competence as a diplomat. By enhancing the excellent relations between the Gambia and Sierra Leone and by raising the level of understanding and cooperation between the two countries. “High Commissioner Yumkella has proven that he is a worthy Ambassador of his country and true pan Africanist. The Gambia has demonstrated its appreciation of Ambassador Yumkella in several ways. On example is the decision of his Excellency Alhajie Dr. AJJ Jammeh, president and Head of State of this country to decorate High Commissioner Yumkella with one of the national medals of The Gambia. And the dinner tonight is being hosted by instructions from HE The President.”

Talking about the relationship between Sierra Leone and The Gambia, SoS Touray says, “Sierra Leone is a country to which The Gambia feels particularly attached. In the early 19 Century, Freetown served as the residence of the British Governor, who also ruled the Gold Coast (Ghana) and The Gambia. This shared colonial experience, our common culture and physical proximity have enabled the two countries to nurture excellent bilateral relations and cooperation over the years. Several distinguish Gambian personalities were trained in Sierra Leone and even today Sierra Leonean Institutions of higher learning have remained centres of excellence for young Gambians.

We in The Gambia have also played host to a large Sierra Leonean community in both the urban areas and the provinces. Despite the scarcity of our means, we have done all we could to make our Sierra Leonean brothers and sisters feel at home in The Gambia.

“Indeed the various High Commissioners of Sierra Leone to The Gambia worked tirelessly to raise cooperation between The Gambia and Sierra Leone to high level. But what High Commissioner Yumkella can boast of is outstanding. During his tour of duty, His Excellency President Jammeh visited Sierra Leone and His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma visited The Gambia twice within a short period. For any diplomat, this is a brilliant feat and I would like to salute the contribution of High Commissioner Yumkella to the excellent relations that these high level visits underscore.” Dr. Touray said.

SoS Touray associated diplomatic life to that of nomads but said the diplomatic life was more nomadic than that of the nomads themselves. “Diplomats have developed the capacity to jump with considerable ease from the frosty cold winters of Scandinavia to the belching heat of desert areas. The good thing, is the more they move the closer they stay together, because after all, the move within the same ring. It is therefore heartening to know that while we but High Commissioner Yumkella farewell tonight, we will be interacting with him in different fora”

SoS Touray says, “As Ambassador, the right word here tonight is the French word “Aurevoir” (See you again.)”

HE Yumkella was given a gift from the Foreign Affairs.

In response HE Yumkella says, “There was a yesterday, a today and a tomorrow. There was a Sierra Loenean Ambassador and today I am going. He quoted an idea from China and praised President Jammeh for arranging for the dinner for him.

Praising Gambian hospitality, HE Yumkella said, “Gambian hospitality goes beyond bounds. There is a special kind of relationship between the two countries. MY colleagues should know that there is a blood relationship between the two countries.” HE Yumkella thanked and praised Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, the VP of the country for her leadership qualities. “I learnt a lot from of leadership skills from her, she is great. I thank you the SoS for Foreign Affairs I thank Ambassador Maudor Touray and all of you ambassadors I will miss you all. I thank SoS Fatou Faye who has a school named after her in Sierra Leone which she unveiled herself. I thank the immigration, the military and the whole security. The country is peaceful, keep it up. I thank the Speaker and members of the Parliament for the democracy they are practicing. I thank every Gambian and all those who made my stay memorable.”

HE Yumkella took the opportunity and said, “To the most esteemed part of my thank you, I must thank you, President Dr. AJJ Jammeh. I think I have been inspired by his leadership qualities. There is what is called the American D     ream. As long as you enter USA and you follow their norms the sky is the limit. I admire the President’s dreams and aspirations. I am leaving The Gambia and I am going back to the farm. I am inspired by President Jammeh and I am going back t do what he is doing. He has done so much in making me realise my dreams. I find it difficult to say thank you. Jola speakers, I say “Jajack.” I am leaving my staff here take care of them and I hope my successor will carry on. I would love to stop here as I leave for a new career, I thank you.”

Speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corp HE, Yahya Ngam, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to The Gambia, praised diplomacy as the most beautiful job in the world because it brings people together. “We are lucky in The Gambia we do our work with ease. Our colleague is going he has said a lot especially about President Jammeh and it is all-true. The diplomatic Corp will miss you HE Yumkella.”

HE Yahya Ngam described HE Yumkella as a very competent diplomat. “We will miss you we hope you will get what you want in life. It is not easy to be like our colleague Foday Yumkella. We wish the best that can ever happen to Foday Yumkella. We hope you will not forget us because we shall never forget you. We thank the Foreign Affairs Minister for his support.”

The trial of Bai Ousman Secka and Mahamadou Batata S. Juwara, former senior officials at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, resumed last Thursday before Magistrate Lamin George of Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

The case could not however proceed as the first accused, Bai Ousman Secka, and his counsel were not in court.

The duo has been standing trial on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, making false document, uttering false document and abuse of office.

It is alleged that the accused persons sometime in 2007, while employed in the civil service of The Gambia at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in Banjul and other places, conspired together to commit a felony, to wit procuring visa with false information and thereby committed an offence.

It is also alleged that the accused persons, on or about 23rd August 2007 at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs in the city of Banjul, with intent to deceive, made a Note Verbal addressed to the American Embassy for the issue of an American visa to one Ms Isatou Njie on the grounds that she was scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York scheduled for September 2007, which information they knew to be false and thereby committed an offence.

Furthermore the charge sheet stated that the accused persons on or about 23rd August 2007 at the Department of State for Foreign in the city of Banjul, with intent to deceive, made a note verbal addressed to the American Embassy for the issue of American visa to Ebou Manneh on the supposed grounds that he had been officially posted to The Gambia High Commission in New York, which information they knew to be false and thereby committed an offence.

The charge continued that Mahamadou Batata Juwara, while employed at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, sometime in 2007, with intent to deceive, knowingly presented a false note verbal dated 23rd August 2007 to the American Embassy, knowing the same to be false and thereby committed an offence

It also alleged that the accused persons sometime in 2007, while employed at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, procured an American visa for Ms Isatou Njie in abuse of their office and thereby committed an offence; that the accused persons sometime in 2007, while being employed at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, procured an American Visa for Ebou Manneh in abuse of their office and thereby committed an offence.

The case was then adjourned to 21st August 2008.

The United States Embassy in Banjul last Thursday, July 3rd, hosted a reception to mark the 232nd independence anniversary of the United States of America. The occasion was attended by several government dignitaries including the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Omar Touray; Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, Mr. Sheriff Gomez and former President of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Jawara. The United States Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Barry Wells and the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, addressed the gathering as follow:

Address by the US Ambassador

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the U.S. Embassy Banjul’s celebration of the 232nd anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. I would like to acknowledge the presence of several representatives of the Gambian Government - Secretaries of State, Honourable Members of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, and other Gambian officials - thank you for taking the time to be here this evening. I would also like to thank the members of the diplomatic and consular corps and our other distinguished guests for joining us.

The Gambia Police Band will now play the national anthems of The Republic of The Gambia and the United States.

I’d like to say a big thank you to the band’s director, Commander Bojang, and his fine musicians for their excellent performance this evening.

This year, as I’m sure you’ve noted, we at the Embassy are celebrating America’s Independence a little early, on July 3. But each year, Americans celebrate July 4 as our National Independence Day, because it was on this day in 1776 that our Founding Fathers - including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams - signed the Declaration of Independence. Although it was not until 1783 that the United States actually gained its independence, the date of adoption of the

Declaration of Independence seven years earlier was established as our National Day.

Independence Day is significant because it marks not only the independence of the United States, but also because it is a time to reflect upon the fundamental ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence – that all men are created equal, that they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that these rights are to be upheld by democratic form of government.

Throughout America’s history, we have viewed these ideals as the foundation of our society and its institutions.

However, as a relatively young nation, it has taken us time to align these ideals with our practices. Standing here in West Africa on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, just

a few weeks after the conclusion of the Roots Homecoming Festival here in The Gambia, we cannot help but be reminded of the painful past of slavery, which was

unfortunately the first link between The Gambia and the United States.

But at the same time, let us remark that even as an imperfect nation, we have faced the negative aspects of our history head on, and rather than forgetting them, we have confronted them. I think what is remarkable about America’s story is that our efforts to overcome the pain of the past have resulted in our ability to move from adversity to accomplishment. Throughout our short history, we have sought to improve upon our democratic institutions and practices, using the values of freedom and equality to argue for greater access for all Americans to enjoy the rights laid out 232 years ago. Democracy, after all, is the institutionalization of freedom.

It was the passion of Americans who believed in freedom and the vision of a better future that led to the abolition movement which eventually ended slavery. And just half a century ago, during the civil rights movement, there were those who dared to dream, and who adhered to the principles of universal liberty even when many in our country did not. The hope, talent, and optimism of Americans have expanded the horizons of possibility. Not long ago, Madeleine Albright broke ground as the first woman to serve as Secretary of State. Today we have our second African American Secretary of State, and our first African-American presidential nominee.

While both our nations have progressed so far, The Gambia, like the United States still has work to do. Equal opportunity for women, protection of children, press freedom and support for human rights for all, remain goals that we must continue to pursue. I believe that with principled leadership and a true commitment to freedom and democracy, anything is possible.

Since my arrival in The Gambia in January, the number of people I have met who are strongly committed to justice, good governance, and the rule of law is commendable. It is this shared belief in democracy and freedom that unites The Gambia and the United States. And now, perhaps more than ever, the need for democracy is urgent. We have only to recall the recent crisis in Chad and the current situation in Zimbabwe to observe the grave consequences of undemocratic rule, including assaults on human dignity and the needless loss of human life. It is only through a joint effort to uphold common values that we can stem the flow of such tragedies, and the United States values The Gambia as a partner in these efforts.

I am proud that our relationship with The Gambia has progressed from the dark days of the slave trade into one of mutual respect and shared democratic ideals.

Today, not only are the United States and The Gambia linked by the large Gambian Diaspora resident in America, the considerable Gambian-American presence here, and the ties of the “Roots” experience, we are connected as our two governments contribution of military and police officers who have served and are currently serving

as peacekeepers in Darfur is a clear demonstration of this shared commitment to promoting the ideals of justice and freedom. So well respected are the Gambian forces in Darfur that they were asked to provide security for UN Secretary Ban ki moon and President Jimmy Carter during their visits to Darfur. The United States remains committed to assisting in the continuing professional development of these forces through our military and police education and training programs. I am also appreciative of the Gambian government’s ongoing dialogue with the US Embassy on a number of economic, counter-terrorism, and other significant issues of regional and global importance to us both.

Gambians and Americans have much in common, and also learn a great deal from each other, which is evident in the great interest demonstrated in the cross-cultural programs facilitated by the Embassy and other organizations. In recent months I have seen a number of American student groups visiting and studying in The Gambia. I have reached out to these visiting Americans, because I think they embody the spirit of the United States - one of openness to new ideas, discourse, and inspiration. I sincerely believe that all of these relationships, from the diplomatic to the personal, reflect the best in Gambian and American cultures. And in the spirit of our shared commitment to freedom and democracy, we have invited you here to join the celebration tonight in honor of the 232nd anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. Thank you.

Statement by foreign Affairs Minister

We know very well the significance of independence. I would therefore like to convey on behalf of His Excellency the President, Alhagi Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, the government and the people of The Gambia, heartfelt congratulations to you Mr. Ambassador, to the government and people of United States of America on the occasion of the independence anniversary of USA here in Banjul. We should all pause and reflect on the significance of the occasion for both the US and the Gambia. In many ways independence represents freedom to decide on one’s own affairs but through history and, more so, in recent years nation states have realised that their destiny are intertwined in such a way that they can only enjoy their freedom in a world that is characterised by genuine partnership, respect for each other and justice.

It is those considerations that underpin The Gambia’s relations with the USA and indeed with the wider world. The Gambia enjoys close collaboration with the United States of America in many areas including in the global fight against terrorism.

The Gambia remains committed to the global fight against terrorism. The government of USA will be committed to supporting the efforts of President Jammeh to transform The Gambia’s economy to one that is based on relentless subsistence agriculture to one that, to paraphrase the mission statement of Vision 2020, is a trading private and export-oriented agriculture and manufacturing economy that guarantees our collective freedom from want.

With those few words excellencies, ladies and gentlemen may I invite you to join me in praying for a stronger American-Gambian relations that are based on mutual trust, respect and justice. Long live United States of America, long live The Gambia and long live American-Gambian partnership. 

A news release from the Department of State for Foreign Affairs has revealed that Mr. Kebba Satou Touray, Gambia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, has presented his letters of credence to His Majesty, King Juan Carlos, at the Madrid Royal Palace.

According to the release, Ambassador Touray, in a brief tête-à-tête after his presentation, conveyed a massage of greetings to King Juan Carlos, his Government and the people of Spain, from His Excellency President Jammeh, his government and the entire people of The Gambia.

“In conveying the President’s message, Ambassador Touray briefed His Majesty on the development aspirations and agenda of the Gambian leader, for his country, the West African sub-region and the African continent,” the release noted.

Ambassador Touray also assured the King of President Jammeh’s desire to co-operate with the Kingdom of Spain in pursuit of the mutual development goals of the two countries within the context of international co-operation and solidarity.

He emphasised the need for co-operation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy and technology/skills transfer. Ambassador Touray further informed the King that his immediate priority would be to conclude a comprehensive development co-operation framework between The Gambia and Spain, which would establish the basis for meaningful co-operation between the two countries.

In response, King Juan Carlos of Spain welcomed Ambassador Touray to the community of diplomats in Spain and asked him to convey his most sincere greetings to his brother and friend, President Jammeh, the government and people of The Gambia.

King Juan Carlos expressed his delight in receiving a permanent envoy of The Gambia to Spain and said that the development marked a giant step in the diplomatic and bilateral relations between the two countries. He assured Ambassador Touray that his government would do everything within its means to support and co-operate with The Gambia in all fields of interest to both countries for the realisation of their development objectives.

In the area of migration, the king assured Ambassador Touray that Spain would provide full support and co-operate with The Gambia in addressing the issue of migration and other related issues, through sustainable programmes for both countries. He finally asked Ambassador Touray to assure President Jammeh that The Gambia could count on Spain as a true friend.

More arrivals are expected from the ranks of The Gambia’s foreign-based players as the Scorpions countdown to their debut match in the 2010 World and African Cup of Nation’s qualifiers against Liberia on Sunday.

About six professional players namely; Njogu Demba, Tijan Jaiteh, Ebrissa Sonko, Demba Savage, Ken Abdoulie Mansally and Dawda Bah were expected in Banjul last evening.

These arrivals will help to beef up a formidable side that will face the Lone stars in Monrovia on Sunday.

Following the hot debate in the country about a foreign coach over the years, The Gambia Football Association (GFA) yesterday signed the Belgian coach Paul Put at President Jammeh’s Joint Officers Mess in Kotu.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the First Vice President of the GFA, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, said this is the first time in the history of Gambian Football that the GFA has hired the services of a foreigner as coach and not just as technical assistance.

He stated that the GFA wants to compliment the efforts of the Department of State for Youths and Sports and that is why they have hired the services of a foreign coach.

VP Tamba commended Africell for coming to their aid to secure the services of a foreign coach at a time when the country needs it most.

“The GFA was supposed to provide accommodation and transport for the coach but President Jammeh came to their rescue by providing both accommodation and a vehicle for the coach,” VP Tamba revealed. He also commended the proprietor of Sea View Hotel, Hatib Janneh Junior, for his support and intervention in the process of signing the new coach.

In his statement at the ceremony the President of the GFA, Seedy MB Kinteh, challenged the coach to make sure that The Gambia qualify for both Angola and South Africa. “You have a big task ahead of you,” he said.

Commenting on the contract agreement, Mr Kinteh stated that they have signed a one-year agreement with the coach, which is subjected to termination with one month’s notice. He told those gathered that Africell has paid the coach two months in advance. He also seized the opportunity to commend Africell for living up to their social responsibility.

Delivering a statement at the occasion Africell, Managing Director Mr Badara Mbye, said Africell have been in support of the Government development initiatives since day one. “We have a very good cordial relationship with the GFA and it will continue from strength to strength,” he noted.

For his part, the permanent Secretary of the Department of State for Youths and Sports, Mambanyick Njie, commended Africell for the good initiative and urged the private sector to emulate them and support Gambian sports.

Coach Paul Put said his mission in The Gambia is to be successful and to get good results for the country.

He appealed to Gambians to give him all the necessary support in order to achieve his dreams.

Commenting on the preparation, Coach Put said he would do everything possible to prepare the team both mentally and physically ahead of the Gambia Liberia game schedule for the first of June.

He will be assisted by Coach Peter Bonu Johnson.