By Seedy Jobe
Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidential aspirant Kemo Ceesay on Saturday unveiled his policy platform, THE COACH Manifesto, presenting a vision centered on unity, accountability, and inclusive development as he seeks to lead Gambian football into what he described as a new era of transformation.
Speaking at the launch event held at Paradise Suites Hotel, Ceesay told football stakeholders, club executives, regional football officials, former players, and members of the media that the occasion represented more than the unveiling of a campaign document.
“Today is not just another day in Gambian football. Today marks the beginning of a movement. Today marks the beginning of a new conversation about the future of our beautiful game,” he declared.
Ceesay thanked attendees for their support, saying their presence reflected a shared commitment to advancing football in The Gambia.
“Your attendance is not simply support for a candidate; it is a demonstration of your commitment to the future of Gambian football,” he said.
Describing football as a powerful force that transcends the boundaries of sport, Ceesay linked the game to national identity, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.
“Football is more than ninety minutes on a pitch. Football is hope. Football is an opportunity. Football is unity. Football is national pride. Football is the dream of every young boy and girl who kicks a ball on the streets of Banjul, Brikama, Farafenni, Soma, Janjanbureh, Basse, Kerewan, and every community across our beloved nation,” he said.
According to Ceesay, football has historically united Gambians during difficult periods and provided inspiration when the country faced challenges.
He said his manifesto is not merely a collection of promises but a blueprint for the future of the game.
“That is why I stand before you today not merely to launch a manifesto, but to launch a vision. A vision of a united football family. A vision of inclusive development. A vision of excellence. A vision of accountability. A vision of transformation,” he stated.
Summarizing his campaign message, Ceesay said his mission could be captured in two words: “Unification and Transformation.”
“These are not just words; they are the pillars upon which I intend to build the next chapter of Gambian football,” he said, stressing that meaningful transformation can only be achieved through unity, collaboration, and mutual respect among stakeholders.
Ceesay also paid tribute to former GFF leaders, emphasizing that his administration would build upon the achievements of those who came before him. He credited former football administrators for contributions ranging from national unity and grassroots development to infrastructure expansion, governance reforms, and recent successes on the continental stage.
He particularly acknowledged the federation’s recent progress under the current administration, including back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifications and the advancement of women’s football.
Making his case for leadership, Ceesay highlighted his longstanding relationships across the football community.
“I am the candidate who can unite all stakeholders. I have maintained positive relationships across clubs, regions, allied associations, and with fellow aspiring candidates. I firmly believe that elections should never create enemies. Elections should strengthen democracy, encourage healthy competition of ideas, and ultimately bring us together for the common good of football,” he said.
A key theme of the manifesto is balanced national development. Ceesay argued that opportunities and investment in football should not be concentrated in a few areas but extended to every region of the country.
“Every region deserves an opportunity. Every community deserves investment. Every talented young footballer deserves a pathway to success regardless of where they come from,” he said.
Among the flagship initiatives outlined in the manifesto is the “President La Katcha” programme, under which the GFF President would meet club and regional football leaders every six months to review progress, strengthen consultation, and enhance accountability within the federation.
Ceesay also pledged to reconnect the federation with former national team stars and football legends, arguing that their experience and expertise should play a greater role in shaping the future of the sport.
Concluding his address, he called on stakeholders to rally behind what he described as a collective movement for change.
“Today, I invite you to join this movement. A movement for unity. A movement for accountability. A movement for development. A movement for inclusion. A movement for transformation. The future of Gambian football will not be built by one person. It will be built by all of us working together,” he said.
The launch event also featured endorsements from key figures within the football community, including Amadou Jaiteh, who recently withdrew his own presidential bid, and a representative of the seven Regional Football Associations, who pledged their support for Team COACH ahead of the GFF elections.
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