By Seedy Jobe
One of the candidates running for president of the Gambia Football Federation says his association with the country’s main opposition party derailed his bid for an endorsement from the federation’s outgoing leader, adding a political subplot to a sporting election.
Kemo Ceesay, a GFF presidential candidate, said in an interview with Bitilo that the outgoing GFF president, Lamin Kaba Bajo, declined to back his candidacy specifically because of his ties to the United Democratic Party, with associates warning that his political identity would make it impossible for him to work with the government if he were elected.
“The reason Musa came and they took him is what they said—that Kemo is in the U.D.P. If he wins, he will not be able to work with the government. This is the truth,” Mr. Ceesay said, referring to Musa Jammeh, the candidate Mr. Bajo has endorsed.
Mr. Ceesay said this was not the first time his political affiliations had intersected with his football career. He said a previous contract of his was terminated after officials told him it would not be renewed unless he stepped down from his positions within the U.D.P. He said he ultimately complied, resigning his party roles, because, he said, his livelihood depends on football.
He also recounted a meeting at the home of James Gomes, where he said similar concerns were raised about whether his party membership would prevent him from working effectively with the government if he became GFF president.
Asked whether his belief that politics was working against him was simply a suspicion, Mr. Ceesay said it was not.
“No, it’s not that I suspected it. That is what was said,” he said. “But ‘wolie’ what was said in James Gomez’s house is that if I win, I will not be able to work with the government because of the party I am in.”
He said his response at the time was measured. “Alhamdulillah, I heard your words. I will take it to God and see what to do,” he recalled telling those present.
Despite the warnings, Mr. Ceesay said he met directly with Mr. Jammeh, the candidate Mr. Bajo has endorsed, to appeal for the chance to run, noting that he had been positioning himself for the role since he began working in football administration. He said Mr. Jammeh promised him support during that conversation.
Before formally entering the race, Mr. Ceesay said he also consulted other senior figures in Gambian football, including Bakary Jammeh and Mr. Bajo himself, saying he believes no one can credibly seek the GFF presidency without first seeking the blessing of the sport’s elders.
He said he proposed a partnership to Mr. Jammeh, pointing out that both men own football clubs and have experience in the game, and suggesting the two could work together after Mr. Bajo’s tenure ends to preserve the federation’s gains while discarding practices he considered unhelpful. He said Mr. Jammeh again pledged his support — an assurance he said was later repeated to an intermediary Mr. Ceesay had sent on his behalf.
The race for the GFF presidency remains wide open, with Sadibou Kamaso also in contention alongside Kemo Ceesay and Musa Jammeh.
Comments are closed.