Government Allocates Over D22 Million To GFF For Gambia’s Matches Against Seychelles And Gabon
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Honorable Bakary Y.Badjie, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced on Tuesday that the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has been granted an estimated D22,573,990.18 for the World Cup Qualifiers.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held by the Ministry of Information at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
“The World Cup Qualifiers: An estimated cost of D22,573,990.18 has been allocated to the GFF for matches against Seychelles in Morocco and Gabon in Franceville, ensuring the team is well-prepared for these crucial qualifiers,” he said.
He further revealed that the Gambian government had set aside 200 million dalasis for the country’s participation in the recently concluded 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. He emphasized that not all of this amount was spent, but it was the allocated sum.
Hon. Badjie announced that due to the national stadium’s unavailability, as it was deemed unfit by the Confederation of African Football for hosting international games, Gambia will relocate its home match against Seychelles to Morocco, while the match against Gabon will take place in Franceville.
He informed journalists that the second phase of renovations is set to conclude by July. Upon completion and approval by CAF, Gambia will resume hosting international competitions at the Bakau stadium.
Additionally, he disclosed that the Ministry has earmarked D7 million for the Gambia National Olympic Committee to facilitate The Gambia’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled from July 23rd to August 12th, 2024.
“Gambia Judo Association the association has been granted D622,500.00 for their participation in the World Championships Seniors in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., scheduled from May 19th to 24th, 2024. Youth African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellowship Thirteen Gambian delegates attending the YALI Fellowship in Ghana from May 13th to 31st, 2024, have received D195,000.00 to support their participation,” he told the media.
Honorable Badjie announced that the Tijan Jaiteh Foundation has generously contributed D1.5 million to sponsor the airfare for The Gambia’s Under-16 team to participate in the Norway Cup. The team will be defending their Under-15 Trophy at the event.
In an update regarding the status of mini stadiums across The Gambia, Minister Badjie informed the press that the Bwiam Mini Stadium in Foni Kansala WCR, Julafar Mini Stadium in Kiang LRR, Janjanbureh Mini Stadium, and Diabugu Mini Stadium in CRR and URR, respectively, have been officially handed over to their respective communities through the Sports Committees.
He added that the current focus lies on completing phase 2 of the rehabilitation and remodeling of the Independence Stadium, along with the development of the Mboyo Field mini stadium.
“We all witnessed the Gambia’s second Consecutive participation in the 2023 AFCON held in Côte d’Ivoire. We are presently playing World Cup qualifiers and taking part in other international competitions such as the Africa Games (Ghana 2024 Games), the Olympic Games France 2024, etc.,” he said.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Youth and Sports remains committed to enhancing its collaboration and connections by actively engaging with both bilateral and multilateral agencies.