Observer Sports has been sounding the reaction of dignitaries that turned-up yesterday evening to watch the Scorpions play at home against the Mourabitones of Mauritania in the ongoing Afcon 2017 qualifiers.
The Scorpions came into the game with the hope of overturning a 2-1 deficit in Nouachchott last Friday.
Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of The Gambia Football Federation said he was impressed with the improvement on the side of the boys, saying the ‘Scorpions did performed very well’. “We have had so many opportunities to score goals so that we retain the three points, but unfortunately that is how it happened and it is football.”
The GFF boss, who was surprised by the fans large turnout, said the turnout was manifestation of the renewed confidence the fans have in the team. “We wish this will continue and be sustained so that together we rebuild the team that we desire,” Bajo told Observer Sports.
Also sharing his opinion to Observer Sports after the game, Alieu K Jammeh, the Minister of Youth and Sports said he was generally satisfied and thanked the players for the performance. He renewed government’s continues support to the development of football.
The performance of the home-based players, Minister Jammeh, said is an indication that there are good local based talents in abundance.
As to whether the country is on course as far the rebuilding and restructuring is concerned, Jammeh replied in the positive, noting that glory does not come overnight. “It is not only about getting the result, but also getting the proper structure in place, which includes facilities, good managers to manage our football and then getting grassroots and school sports revived.”
Also among the dignitaries at the VIP stand was Hon. Seedy SK Njie, nominated National Assembly member. He told Observer Sports that he was impressed with the performance despite the disappointing results. “Both teams have performed well and I am now looking forward to our next two games at home against South Africa and away to Cameroon.”
Alhaji Modou Njie alias Biri Biri is a veteran footballer who had played against Mauritania. In a post chat with this paper, he opined that the team ‘were not more aggressive’ to score goals. “It could have been better with what I saw in the 90 minutes.”
On the much talked about rebuilding and rebranding of Gambian football, the Gambia’s greatest footballer of all time said the country has to focus on the young professional players and build them for a greater team in the future. “We were all here to make sure the team wins because we used to beat Mauritania home and away. We should try to learn from Mauritania.”
Omar Sey, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare said he saw a ‘determined and courageous squad’, while calling for support to the team and the coach.
Willy Abraham is the President of domestic league football club Real De Banjul. He told Observer Sports that it is high time much attention is given to local-based players. “The game was very poor and we need to stop bringing these players from Europe and concentrate on our local-based because we have better players who are willing to die for the country. We have to stop wasting time with these foreign-based players,” he opined.
by Alieu Ceesay & Arfang MS Camara