By Seedy Jobe
The spokesperson of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC), Kemo Bojang, has strongly criticised what he described as inadequate investment in Gambian football, calling on the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Badjie, to prioritise the development of the sport.
In a statement, Bojang emphasised that success in football is built on deliberate and sustained investment, not rhetoric. “Morocco and Senegal did not get there by luck or slogans; they got there through deliberate, sustained investment over the last decade,” he said. He added that in areas such as infrastructure, youth development, coaching, sports science, and governance, few African countries have matched the level of commitment shown by the two nations.
Bojang stressed that raw talent alone is insufficient to compete at the highest level, noting that Gambian football lacks the necessary support systems to nurture and sustain excellence. “What Gambian football needs are proper pitches, training centres, youth academies, and technical support structures. Words alone do not get the job done. What delivers success is finance, long-term commitment, and strong political will,” he stated.
He urged Minister Badjie to focus his efforts on investing in football infrastructure and comprehensive development programmes, rather than pursuing political ambitions. “If we want to compete, Bakary Badjie must stop trying to get beaten for the third time in a row for mayor and get to work,” Bojang remarked.
Concluding his statement, Bojang warned that without prioritising investment and creating an enabling environment for players and coaches, The Gambia would continue to watch other nations succeed instead of challenging them on the continental and global stage.
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