By Landing Ceesay
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has launched the World Football Governing Body (FIFA) Talent Development Scheme Project.
The project would give chance to young Gambian players who are not opportune to be selected in the National U17s, U20s and U23s to have special competition among themselves, to boost their chances of joining the said national teams in the future.
The project has no life span, and it is going to be a continuous process in the Gambia for the development of football in the country.
Speaking at the launch, FIFA Technical Consultant, Mr. Dominique Niyonzima, has said that in Africa, the Gambia is among 7 countries benefiting from the project.
He said the shows the commitment of the GFF President and what his Executive Committee are doing to develop football in The Gambia.
“Football is team work and I am sure that Gambian football will move forward. This project is one of the key elements that FIFA is proposing, and is offering to every FA to develop. It is now up to the FA to take it. Bear in mind that this project is for the elite. For you to compete with Senegal, who have 3 of the best school academies in Africa. I think this gives you another point to be proud of as Gambians. This project is for the elite, but we at FIFA don’t forget the other ones. FIFA did not forget about amateur football, because 98% of people who play football are amateur footballers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), said the project falls “very well” with the plans and aspirations of the Gambia Football Federation.
“Since we assume leadership some years ago; as a group, we give attention to capacity building in any form. We believe that without the requisite knowledge, no development will be sustainable. Anytime, we come across any opportunity related to training and development, we grasp for it,” the GFF President said.
The programme was launched on Wednesday, at the Football House in Kanifing Estate.