National Deaf Scorpions president impressed delight with team preparation

The national Deaf Scorpions president Mr. Lamin M Ceesay has impressed delight with his Dream Deaf Scorpions FC beating Fass Njaga Choi village Champion  by 2-1 during their recent tour in North Bank Region NBR.

The Deaf Scorpions of the Gambia which consisted of 53 people has successful complete  a three-day NBR tour from December 20th to 22nd as part of its new talent search ahead of their first ever participation in the Africa Deaf Football Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

Super Nawettaan matches move to the Independence Stadium

The Gambia Football Federation informs the general public of its regret that the 2013 Skye Bank Super Nawettan has abruptly been halted due to crowd troubles in recent matches. This decision is in consultation with critical stakeholders with a view to surgically analysing the problems that bedeviled the recent impasses before any uplifting of the indefinite ban would be announced.
The Organising Committee of the tournament and the GFF Executive met in closed doors and have formally agreed on proposals over the continuity of the Super Nawettan. The stakeholders will henceforth adequately engage security Chiefs and to formally seek their expert advice on the venues fit for matches.

Former Finnish National and Europe duo eying for Gambia’s critical job

Martti Kuusela a 68 year old Finnish national, born in Rovaniemi with excellent European football coaching track record is currently interest to take charge of Gambia’s senior national team (the Scorpions) Gambia Sports News Online can exclusively report.

Coach Martti Kuusela

He is eying to be the next potential head coach of The Gambia with the aim and objective of bringing back the country’s lost glory in the international competitions especially at the senior level since the untimely departure of the former Belgium technician Paul Put who is currently coaching Burkina Faso who are a step away from qualifying to Brazil 2014 World Cup.

It could be recalled that The Gambia was in the bottom of the table in the recent concluded FIFA Brazil World Cup qualifying round campaign with only four points out of six games. The campaign started with Italian as the head coach who was later demoted and replaced by his Gambian assistant Peter Bonu Johnson.

Africa lost between US1.2 and US1.4 trillion over three decades through illicit financial flows, says GIABA DG

Director General (GIABA) Dr. Abdullahi Shehu

The Director General of Inter-Government Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Dr. Abdullahi Shehu disclosed a study by African Development Bank (AFDB) has revealed that Africa lead the rest of the developing world, having lost between US1.2 and US1.4 trillion over the 30 year period 1980- 2009 through illicit financial flows.

Dr. Abdullahi Shehu was recently speaking at the opening ceremony of two day regional workshop on AML/CFT requirements for accountants at the Kairaba beach Hotel on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the GIABA boss further stated that worldwide estimates of the amount of money laundered annually range between US700 billion and US1.8 billion, about 5% of the world GDP. A study by Kar & Freitas, also revealed that developing countries lost between US585.9 billion and US918.6 billion annually over a 10 year period from 2001 to 2010.

Universal Properties are solution to Gambia’s housing problem, says GM Sarja Jawara.

The General Manager of Universal Properties Gambia Ltd Sarja Jawara, has underscores the company’s desire to provide a solution to housing problem to Gambians for both civil servant and private employees special the low salary income earner, adding that the company are the solution to Gambia’s housing problem

GM Sarja Jawara

The company since its inception under the wise leadership of CEO Mr. Alagie Sanyang many years ago has fought tooth and nail to make sure that every Gambia has a house or a compound to leave.

Mr. Jawara was speaking to Eras Business & Financial News in an interview at his office in Kairaba Avenue, saying Universal Properties has been successful leading the Gambia’s housing industry for over a period of time without realizing a treat from another real estate company.

Universal Properties Gambia Ltd. handles house sales, accommodation rentals and most importantly land for sale, with a unique, affordable flexible payment plan.

Houses for sale at Taf Estate in Brufut Gardens, Brufut Heights, Sanyang and Kerr Serigne. Plots are also for sale at Brusubi, Brufut near the beach, Gunjur, Sukuta and Tujering real estate localities.

What went wrong with GFF Gamtel/Gamcel Sponsorship deal? A concern enthusiast of Biko ask

The most critical growing ramous around town from football enthusiast that need a clear explanations from the football house authority is that what went wrong with the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) league sponsorship deal of four million dalasis which was earlier signed last year. The signing of the last deal automatically changed the name from GFF league to Gamtel/Gamcel sponsored league which has increased hopes of clubs that anyone who win the league was expecting one and half million of a million.

Gambia Sports News Online.com sound the opinion of one football enthusiast of Steve Biko FC why the disappointment from the GFF officials under the normalisation committee for the usual payment of only hundred thousand instead of one and half million or a million to the league winners, hence the sponsorship deal last year was exiting, and how will it affect the country´s football.

Bakau community celebrates Biko´s league glory

Victory celebration marking the first ever league title for Giant Killers of Bakau Steve Biko FC continues in grand fashion in the community on Saturday afternoon at the Bakau Bantaba. A caravan of over fifty vehicle tour the Grater Banjul Area starting from Bakau to Senegambia, Brufut turntable and enter Sukuta through highway linking to Westfield via Kairaba Avenue to return home late in the evening.

Meanwhile, celebration continues at night with a free music show at the Bakau Community center organized by die heart supports of the club from the community. Being one of oldest Gambian community based league club has higher more than six coaches’ national and international since its formation in 1978 prominent among them was the former Senegalese international the later Joe Fransuare Bokaneh during the FTI partnership.

UNIVERSAL PROPERTIES ESTATE LEADER’S OF GAMBIA HOUSING INDUSTRY

One of the leading real estate developing agents in The Gambia, Universal Properties, which currently dominated the Gambia’s housing market barely a year after resuming business in full force.
This follows a brief business interruption to settle some internal issues with the British partners of the company.
In our maiden edition of Today newspaper Business Edge (BE), we spoke to the proprietor of Universal Properties Alagie Sanyang about his real estate business.

The company, established in 2009 by Alagie Sanyang, a young enterprising Gambian entrepreneur, offers quality services such as sale and letting of quality properties throughout The Gambia as well as complete range of property services including land purchase and land preparation, residential and commercial sales and letting, land purchasing for investment, property valuations, and mortgage advice.

Gambians Association in Crawley, UK donates to needy families in KMC

Foday Drammeh

The Gambians Association in Crawley Town, United Kingdom, once again extended its gesture by presenting over 19 bags of rice and a cash amount of D250 as fish money to about 40 needy families within the Kanifing Municipal Council recently.

The presentation, which was held at the then Muslim Aid UK field office in Kanifing, is the second time in two years since the foundation of the Gambian association based in Crawley Town UK.

Just after five years of existence, the association has a membership of over two hundreds Gambians living in the town.

The association was formed with the aim and objective of bringing Gambians together to foster cooperation, unity and understanding among themselves in Diaspora especial in Crawley Town. Another must important objective is to preserved culture in the Diaspora by coming together to observe some cultural activities such as wadding and naming ceremonies.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the presentation ceremony, a former executive member of the association, Foday F.B Drammeh said this annual gesture is part of the association’s initiative to help the needy families in the country from their ‘Zakatu-Fitr’ money after every year after Koriteh or Tobaski prayers.

Who are the best big-game goal scorers in football history?

Gerd Müller picks up a few more points on his way to topping the list of big-game goal scorers. Photograph: Staff/AFP/Getty Images

Gerd Müller

Whose goals have most changed the course of football history? Lionel Messi scored 91 goals in 2012 to beat Gerd Müller's record of 85 in a calendar year set back in 1972. Messi seems to break records every time he plays. Putting five goals past Bayer Leverkusen in last season's 

Champions League was a remarkable achievement but, for all his heroics, Messi still lags some way behind Müller when it comes to changing games on the grandest stages. 

Sportswriter Liam Corbett of the Average Opposition blog has analysed all the goals scored in the world's biggest competitions since 1950 – that's 1,931 goals by 1,071 different scorers in 63 years – and complied a list of football's top 50 big-game goal scorers. This exercise is about the goals that have shaped matches at the very pinnacle of the sport. And Gerd Müller has scored more that anyone.

Seaview tactician Njie believes can escape from relegating

Seaview’s tactician has hopes, that his side can make-a-stay in the top tier of The Gambia Football Federation’s (GFF) domestic league for next year, following their goalless draw match against the defending champions Real De Banjul on Sunday at the Serekunda East mini stadium. Ousainou Njie who team is still in the relegating zone with only five games to go said his side has to fight very hard in order to stay in the first division competition. 

 “We are going to fight very hard until the last day of the competition, its football anything can happen. I am not happy with our draw, however the performance was good. Finishing is our main problem, we contain big teams but we sleep up at the finishing area,” He said.

Demba Kunda Khasseh emerged winners in DSACD Tourney

Demba Kunda Khasseh FC

Demba Kunda Khasseh were on Friday crowned the champions of Dynamic Serahule Association for Changes and Development (DSACD) third edition football tournament at the expense of their URR rivals Kulary, played at the Serekunda East mini-stadium.

The only goal from striker Saibo Jagana, alias (Police) in the 43^rd minute of the game was all but enough to give Demba Kunda Khasseh the victory after squandering a series of goal chances in the first half, which ended goalless. The goal puncher was booked for taking off his jersey, while celebrating his goal.

After resumption for the second half, it became a period full of chances where Kulary came closer to the chance of scoring, through their striker Hagie Touray, but faiedl to find the back of the net out of hesitation.  The closest shot for Kulary made a different in the game.

Njie Goree Promotions holds wrestling championship

Abdoulie Njie (Njie-Goree Promotions), a new state-of-the-Art entertainment and promotional organisation, last Saturday held a wrestling championship at the Serrekunda West Mini-Stadium, which coincided with the occasion marking the celebration of President Yahya Jammeh’s 48^th birthday.

The organization plans to revive the nation’s rich cultural heritage, through enhancing youths’ participation in wrestling.

President Jammeh, it is said, has been the number one supporter of the (Njie Goree Promotions) initiative.

Speaking at the programme, Modou Kara Gaye, a member of the Njie Goree Promotions, welcomed and thanked their sponsors, such as Africell, Gambia Bird, Warga Tabara, and Best and Panther from Senegal, for stepping in to revive the culture, through organising grand wrestling such as this.

GAMBIA PLANS FRIENDLY AHEAD OF IVORY COAST CLASH

Senior National Team (Scorpions)

Gambia are planning to set the ground running with a friendly match in sight ahead of a less-to-to-gain world Cup qualifier home match against Ivory Coast next month. The Scorpions team will host the visiting star-littered Ivorian side on June 8th at the Independence stadium. Mancini’s charges are condemned to Group C table baseline, picking a single point out of possible nine points with a lone draw to comfort with since the race for a slot in Brazil World Cup 2014 gathered momentum.

The 59-year-old Italian tactician watched helplessly his outfit turned to tatters by a rampaging slightly overhauled elephants of Ivory Coast. And, in an attempt to avert the inflicting of any further damages, Mancini and the country football body are planning a host of international test matches with one likely to be staged this month. “Yes, we are working on a friendly match and there is no element of truth that we have canceled four matches,” Normalisation Committee public liaison officer-cum journalist, Bakary B Baldeh, who wouldn’t be drawn into disclosing Gambia’s prospective opponent confirmed to our sports desk.

GBA and MoYS celebrate president’s 48th birthday with international tournament

GBA President Mohamadou Musa Njie (Papa Njie)

As part of celebration marking the 48^th birthday anniversary of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhagie Yahya A.J.J Jammeh, the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Gambia Basketball Association will organize a tri-nation international basketball tournament starting from 23-26^th May, 2013.

The tournament start on Thursday with the host country The Gambia basketball team lucking horns with the team from the sister republic of Senegal at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. On Friday will be another entertaining fixture between two visiting teams Senegal and Mauritania, and on Saturday Gambia will robe solders with Mauritania on the day of the birthday celebration to end the knockout stage. On Sunday will be the final between the best two teams of the group stage, all matches of the tournament will be play at the Independence Stadium starting at 4:30pm each day, and the entrance at the gate is free of charge.

Lamin Cham’s Tribute to late Max Jallow

Death struck Max Jallow on Sunday 19 May and thousands of Gambians are mourning the life of a rising charismatic figure whose charm and openness made him multitude of friends and admirers. But that was Max at a distance.

For those close to him among them myself, Max was a gigantic and towering personality laden with immense courage and determination that made him an indispensable ally in social and community service. I began to notice this ever-amiable young boy in the late 80s but when sport brought us closer on the birth of the Brufut Marathon in 1995, I came to know the man the more and his unrivaled  passionate and enthusiasm for sport and youth development, innovations and inspirational leadership.

DHL, Manchester United legend Quinton Fortune visit The Gambia

From left to right, Alhagie Biri Njie, Quinton Fortune, Sang Ndong

Banjul, May 2013- Recently DHL’s valued customers were fortunate enough to spend an afternoon with legendary Manchester United former striker, Quinton Fortune. This was made possible by DHL who are the official logistics partner for Manchester United, the number one football club in the world.

VIP guests attended the event at Hotel Karaiba and had the opportunity to meet Quinton Fortune, who was on hand to sign autographs and memorabilia, and to discuss what has made the team a success. This is evident with its 659 million supporters worldwide, of which 173 million are in Africa and the Middle East alone.

LAST RESPECTS FOR MAX JALLOW

 Late Mamudou Max Jallow

The Gambia’s sporting fraternity Sunday paid their last respects to the late executive secretary of the National Sports Council, Mamudou Max Jallow, who passed away the same day at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital following a brief illness, aged 43.
 

Jallow was appointed as the executive secretary of the Sports Council in 2011 after obtaining a Master’s Degree in Sports Science in the United Kingdom. He first joined the Sports Council in 2003 as a Development Officer. Several of his colleagues, friends, and acquaintances amongst others spoke to GRTS and Observer Sports as they paid their last respects to the man who will be difficult to replace in the sporting fraternity.

Sanna is top Gambian earner in MLS

Sanna Nyassi

Gambia international Sanna Nyassi is the highest paid Gambian football in the Major League Soccer, according to a players’ union release.

Gambian footballers earn some of the lowest salaries in the United States according to the MLS players’ union and as it does every year, the Major League Soccer Players’ Union has released 2013 salary information for every single player in the top flight with Sanna Nyassi being the highest paid Gambian footballer.

Sanna, who plays for the Montreal Impact is the only Gambian with a six-figure pay earning a base salary of $140,000 and a guaranteed compensation fee of $147,625.

Sanna’s twin brother, Sainey, who plays for New England Revolution, makes a base salary of $88,200 with a guaranteed compensation fee of $94,950.

GFA DIVISION ONE LEAGUE ROUND UP

Steve Biko FC

Steve Biko consolidated their lead at the peak opening up a five-point lead with a hard fought 2-1 win over tumbling Samger at the Banjul mini-stadium on Sunday. Coach Abdoulie Bojang side were teetering on the brink of being dislodged from the top but close title contenders Real De Banjul threw away the begging chance after the all whites lost to third place Armed Forces at the Serrekunda East mini-stadium last week Saturday. A lone goal from playmaker and midfielder landing Darboe sealed all points for the Soldiers.

Threatened by Real’s recent upsurge, Biko had the academy Boys packed off in bondage trouncing them 2-1 to amass twenty-seven points. The Bakau outfit looks on spot to clinch their first title of the division after dozens of attempts without success. Bakau United remains third in the league with twenty points in fourteen domestic matches following a 2-2 stalemate with eight positioned Gambia Ports Authority.

GAMBIA U-19 REVELS IN ITALY

Peter Bonu Johnson

Gambia U-19s teed off the Umbria tournament in Italy with a 2-0 win over San Marino in their opening Group A fixture on Tuesday. Goals in each half from Hawks Momodou Badjie and captain Modou Jallow had it all sealed for the Gambia Young Scorpions as coach Bonu Johnson gets off to a blistering start in the 8-team tournament.

However, Gambia were held to a 2-2 draw in a renew rivalry against a side they lost to during the last competition. Badjie came to the rescue and saved his side of their blushes converting from the spot-kick to secure a 2-2 draw in the nick of time when the Gambia were trailing With a twenty-man squad, gaffer Peter Bonu Johnson will be availed options for his next selection.

GFF inaugurates interim committees’ regional football

GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) formally GFA under the Normalisation Committee who’s term ends next month, is pleased to inform the general public that as part of its process leading to the election of new executives in June, it has recently inaugurated interim committees to assist in the process of establishing regional football associations.

The inauguration, according to a media dispatch from the Football Federation, was held at the GFF Football House in Kanifing on Wednesday 1st May, 2013. This is one step towards the June election of a new executive as contained in the adopted constitution of the GFF. “The Committee is set up for an interim period of one month to build up a framework for the creation of regional football associations and to elect regional executive members in preparation for the elections on June 29th,” it added. 

DHL Express to host former Man United duo Quinton Fortune Monday

Quinton Fortune former Man Utd player

The DHL Express Gambia Ltd will be hosting a Manchester United Talk Show in The Gambia on the 13^th May 2013 at the Kairaba hotel and the former Manchester United legendary midfielder Quinton Fortune and Mrs. Louise Otter of TREBLE GROUP who are organizing the event on behalf of DHL Express in many countries in Africa.

The high profile delegates are expected to jet at the Banjul International Airport at 00:35 on Monday morning. Base on the range of activities of the day, the delegates are will make a courtesy call on the Minister of Youth and Sports at the minister premises by 09:00am to 10:00am on the same day which is yet to be confirmed.

From 11:00am to 12:00pm, the former Man United duo will be engage in donation of children’s school bags to SOS village in Kotu, before appearing at a media interview at Kairaba Hotel at 15:30 to 16:00 hours. The activities of the day will wrapped up by DHL Man United Function at Kairaba Hotel Jama Hall from 16:00 to 20:00 hours.

SCB continues CSR boost to Liverpool

SCB MD
Humphrey Mukwereza

Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd on Sunday held a match-viewing of Liverpool Football Club’s crucial returning leg of the English Premier League against third-place holders Chelsea FC, as part of the international bank’s sponsorship agreement with the club over the years.

The viewing ceremony organised by SCB was held at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Brufut.

Liverpool was held to a 2-2 draw after coming from behind twice to level the scores through Luis Suárez.

The injury-time goal, being the most significant of all, allowed the Reds to share points with Chelsea at the crucial stage of the premier league table. 

Liverpool  are struggling not to drop beyond the position of UEFA junior championship stage, while Chelsea are also trying to maintain their position in the first three of the table in order to play Europe champions league, after their poor performance in this year’s competition as defending champions.

 In his remarks on the match-viewing ceremony, SCB Managing Director Humphrey Mukwereza said: “In 2010, the bank saw a need to raise its profile and brand visibility across Asia, Africa and Middle East, through the sponsorship of Liverpool Football Club - a key contender in the English Premiership.

Zenith Bank Honoured for winning Governor Jatta’s Trophy

Zenith Bank Starting 11 for Saturday's final

Modou Lamin Badjie, captain of Zenith Bank (GAMBIA) LTD has said that, they were honored as a Bank for winning the 2013 edition of the Governor Jatta’s trophy.

Zenith Bank (Gambia) Ltd beat EcoBank by 5-4 on post match penalty kicks in the finals played at the Father Gough Sports Complex in Manjai Kunda over the weekend after drawing 1-1 in regulation time.   

Zenith Bank (Gambia) Ltd it could be noted reached the quarterfinals of the competition the previous two years.

Speaking to the captain of the team in an interview, he said winning the trophy was achieved through team work, noting that, either they win the trophy or not there is always motivation at Zenith Bank. He stated that, come next year they will defend the trophy, adding that, Zenith Bank have changed the Inter-Bank tournament because they have a fan club and also looking the crowd they pull in every game.

Zenith Bank is the champion of football, Says MD Emeka Anyaegbuna

MD/CEO Zenith Bank, Emeka Anyaegbuna

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Gambia Ltd, Emeka Anyaegbuna, has said that Zenith Bank is the champion of football. 

Mr Anyaegbuna was speaking on Monday to Marketplace Business newspaper in an exclusive interview at his office on Kairaba Avenue following his bank’s excellent performance over their archrival Ecobank Gambia Ltd in the final of the 10^th edition of the Late Governor Famara Jatta’s Memorial football tournament organised by the Central Bank of The Gambia, played on Saturday at the Father Gough Sports Complex in Manjai-kunda.

The aim and objective for organizing the tournament is to foster understanding and cooperation among bankers out of their banking halls.

“I am particularly excited about the fact that we have clinched the Governor’s trophy for the first time in 2013,” Mr Anyaegbuna said.

“The candid truth is that we prepared for the tournament. I appreciate the players and the entire staff of Zenith Bank who cheered the players to success.” 

Minister: Essential pillars are missing in our Gambian football

Y&S Minister Alieu K. Jammeh

The minister of Youth and Sports Alieu K. Jammeh has told journalists that essential pillars are missing in our Gambian football.  Minister Jammeh was speaking at a press conference on Saturday after the GFA constitutional adoptive congress held at the Independence Stadium Friendship Hostel hall.  “We have not been in the essential place; because the essential pillars of our football are not there,” 

Alieu Jammeh said “one these essential pillars are our domestic leagues, we want to have proper and very competitive leagues, we want our communities to go and watch our national leagues. We should have functional football clubs that can represent the country at the international competitions”, Jammeh said.

 “Other critical pillars are our schools and community sports, which are lacking, in those days we used to have very competitive schools and community sports, but now everything has varnish”.

“To have a strong and efficient secretariat and technical support, if these pillars are in place we can say our football is there.  People are not playing a respectable football in the country, that’s why we are beaten in the competitions and everybody at home is disappointed.”

Sukuta elect Councilor: My motto is community interest first before an individual interest

The newly independent elected candidate for Sukuta Ward Ebrima J. Cham has said that his development motto is putting community’s interest first before an individual interest in order to achieve his targeted development plans in the ward for the next five years as promised to his electorates during campaign period.

The newly elected councilor started his projects with a drilling a borehole in Sukuta Dembadu football field costing an amount of D75, 000 thanks to the financial supports he gained from the natives of the community, even though he is not yet officially inaugurated in to office.

Speaking to MatketPlce in an interview at the project side, the newly councilor Ebrima J. Cham expressed his happiness with turnout from the youth. “The turnout from the both side of the youths has real impress me especial on my first project even though am not yet inaugurate in to office. This has demonstrated to me that the youths are ready to work with me for the next five years for the development in the ward”, Cham said.

IOC CONDEMNS MEDDLING IN GNOC SAGA

International Olympic Committee has condemned interference into the issues of the Gambia National Olympic Committee, MarketPlace Sport desk can confirmed. The condemnation is in reaction to the recent injunction issued by the country’s upper court to put on hold the GNOC elective congress pending a court hearing –a move which, according to IOC and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, runs counter to GNOC constitution and the principle of the Olympic Movement.

In a statement issued 11^th April, IOC and ANOCA urge that the matter that has led to the creation of two feuding camps be resolved at NOC level, while voicing ‘extreme’ surprise over the request for a government body to oversee the Committee’s presidential elections. Signed by IOC NOC relation director and ANOCA president Intendant General Lassana Palenfo and copied to Sports Minister Alieu Kebba Jammeh, the three-page dispatch states that elections must only be conducted by an independent three-member election commission elected by the GNOC General Assembly, as stipulated in the constitution.

SYSA CHAIRMAN WELCOME SUKUTA COUNCILOR INITIATIVE

SYAS chairman Bubacarr Cham

The chairman of Sukuba Youth and Sports Association (SYSA) Buba Cham has said that the sports committee has welcome the first initiative of the newly Independence elected candidate for Sukuta Ward Mr. Ebrima J. Cham’s intervention of drilling a borehole in the ‘Dembaduh’ mini stadium in Sukuta. 

The sports chairman was speaking in an interview with MarketPlace sports reporter on Saturday at the project side in Sukuta. Delighting on the importance of the project Mr. Cham said “the main purpose of this project is for the field to have a sufficient water to water the bahamas grass in the field. Some years ago we use to have a very good bahamas grass in the field, but apparently we ran into water storage which result to killing the grass in the pitch. Perhaps with the coming of this borehole project initiated by the newly elected councilor, we are confident that it will complement the effort of promoting sporting games in Sukuta”, he said.

DELEGATES ADOPT GFA DRAFT CONSTITUTION

Alh. Omar Sey and Minister Jammeh

Delegates on Saturday adopted Gambia Football Association GFA draft constitution in a controversial adoptive congress held at the Independence Stadium Hostel hall in Bakau. This is the second adoptive congress of the GFA draft constitution since the coming into office of the normalization committee, the first was held on the 8^th December 2012 which was subsequently rejected by the world football governing body FIFA and urged Gambia to go for a second congress in the quickest possible time

A total of 54 delegates were invited by the GFA for the second adopted congress on Saturday.  Only 48 were present 27 voted for and 20 voted against to have a total of 47, while one vote was missing to complete the total 48 delegates present. 

The method use in this last adoptive congress was quite different from the first congress. During the voting process, delegates were invited from the regions by the GFA normalization committee through their regional governors. Out of the five regions, four were allowed to vote, while Banjul, KMC and West Coast Region were exempted from voting. Each region was represented by five delegates, and out of the list only one was entitled to vote on behalf of each region according to the new rules governing the Saturday’s adoptive congress.

President Jammeh gives cash to Red Scorpions

President Jammeh

President Yahya Jammeh on Wednesday gave D100,000 to Red Scorpions football team.

Presenting the cash to the team, the Minister of Youth and Sports Alieu K. Jammeh hailed the performance of the team despite been a performance at a friendly international tournament.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the presentation ceremony at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau on Wednesday, the team’s head coach Choro Mbenga expressed his joy saying she was not amazed with the gesture from the head of state, as he has been a man of extraordinary generosity.

GVO to sent Marathon Duo Greater Manchester Marathon

Hoja Secka

The Gambia Volunteers Organisation (GVO) will sent Marathon duo Hoja Secka who also doubles as Gambia’s long distance female runner, to participate in the popular Greater Marathon which will take place on the 26th of May this year. The first Manchester Marathon took place in 1908. It resumed in 2012 after a 10-year absence and has re-established itself as a popular race.

Secka a product of Gambia Armed Forces, who participated in the last Bradford Marathon in the United Kingdom in November 2012 will be returning to Great Britain next month for the event. Her participation in the Manchester Marathon is facilitated by The Gambia Volunteers Organisation, a non-profit making organisation established in 2009 by Roy Sanyang, a Gambian based in the UK.

Gambia Wrestling Association members edified

Matarr Jarjue president of the Gambia Wrestling Association Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of a six-day training course wrestling for referees, technicians, administrators, coaches and wrestlers held at the Baobab Resort Hotel in Senegambia. The training brought together over forty participants nationwide, with the main objective of to develop wrestling in the Country.

Speaking at the opening, Matarr Jarjue said that the training will cover both theory and practical aspects of wrestling, while the rules and regulations dealing with the game will be clearly dealt with during the course of the training. He further stated that the course facilitators are experienced wrestling experts from the sister republic of the Senegalese Wrestling Federation.

Gambia down again in FIFA ranking

Senior National Team

Gambia slipped off further down by two places on FIFA, according to the world soccer governing body’s monthly country-rating release. One method used to gauge performance is based on competition activeness on international level but the Scorpions yet again fell short of making a new climb after a succession of dismal runs. Condemned to the base of the World Cup qualifier group bossed by Cote d’voire in C, Scorpions fans will have trouble downing on these seemingly heart-wrenching result.

 Gambia is ranked 146 –four places above football unknowns Hong Kong – and rating 40^th in Africa. In the continent, Mancini and men are ten places from bottom place occupants Djibouti who are 54^th.

GFA DELEGATES TO DECIDE ON DRAFT DOCUMENT

FIFA Delegate Primo and Alh. Omar Say

Delegates of the Gambia Football Association are to vote on re-adopting the draft constitution tomorrow. Scheduled to take place at the Independence Stadium Friendship Hostel, the adoptive congress is prompted after FIFA’s rejection of the final document where the football governing body later uncovered, upon investigation, that some of the clubs that voted during the December 8^th 2012 adoptive congress –did not at all exist.

 “FIFA having consulted their envoy to The Gambia who witnessed the adoptive congress and other relevant stakeholders that culminated in their Member Associations meeting held in Zurich concluded amongst other items the Gambia’s fate at its last adoptive congress and therefore formally wrote to the GFA to hold another congress under the new dispensation that would allow only legitimate stakeholders (teams that play regular GFA competitions) to partake in the forthcoming adoptive congress” a separate circular from the FA reads.

OB LEAVES FOR CAF U-17

Alhagie O.B Conateh

Gambia Football Association President Ousman B. Conateh has left for Morocco as part of CAF youth tournament organsisers. The FA boss left the shores of the country to his North African destination last night to join his Caf organizing comrades for the U-17 championship to start this weekend.

The Baby Scorpions are non-participants in this 10^th edition having pulled out in the eleventh hour incurring a fine of $1000 USD in the process by CAF. Gambia won the U-17 title in 2005 and 2009. The 10^th CAF U-17 championship gets underway in Morocco starting this weekend with hosts taking on Gabon in Group A match to be played at Complexe Sportif Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca on Saturday 13^th April at 1500hrs local time.

Soumpou Doo- Khatti final is set for Sunday

Muhammed Papa Njie

The most awaited football final organised by the umbrella Sarahuleh organisation, Soumpou Doo-Khatti is set to take place this Sunday, at the Independence Stadium in Bakau between Julangel FC and Alunhareh FC.

This is the second edition of the tournament to be organised by the association, through the youth wing under the guidance of Muhammed Papa Njie, the Secretary-General of the association, who also doubles as the Chairman of the sports committee.

Alunhareh FC made it to the final at the expense of Darsilami FC on a post penalty shoot-out after drawing in the game, while their opponent Julangel FC also made it through after snatching a late one nil win against the last year’s semi finalist Garawol FC.

Serekunda United, Sait Matty play a stalemate game

Serekunda United and Sait Matty FC on Sunday played a stalemate game in the ongoing Gambia Football Association GFA 2013 Second Division League championship, played at the Serekunda West Mini-Stadium.

The game was a close affair as both teams displayed some piece of fascinating football. But it was last year’s relegated side from the top flight Serekunda United, which dominated the game, creating some decent half chances in the first half which they failed to convert.

GFA Normalisation Committee mandate extend, what does it mean to Gambian football?

The World Football Governing Body FIFA has decided to extend mandate of GFA Normalisation Committee until June this year. This development came days after the regional league clubs reacted strongly to the FA for describing them as ghost clubs and are not qualified to vote in the congrss. What does the extention of the normalisation committee’s mandate mean to Gambian football. MarketPlace sports went to the street to sound the opinions of football enthusians in the Grater Banjul Area.

Speaking to was one Baba Saidykhan of Bakau Kachikally, said the decision is best know to FIFA and maybe Gambians should respect it, if it is the best way for our football. “ For me i have no personal problem as to any how the authorities responsible of running football in the country want to run it. But also those in concern should not take the opportunity of capitalising this situation as a means of stating for good. All of us as Gambians should think of putting our heads together to put solutions to this problem happening in our football irrespective of age  or position, what is important here is the brilliant ideas form people that can surely move the country football further”. Said Saidykhan.

ROC react to GFA Normalisation Committee

The Regional Organisation Committee(ROC)  responsible of running the affairs of football in the regions has reacted strongly against the decussion of the Gambia Football Association (GFA)  Normalisation Committee for denying their legitimate rights of the Regional League Clubs to participate in deciding the constitution of the GFA. 

In a letter written by the secretary general on behalf of Regional League Clubs sent to the GFA acting secretary general of the normalisation Committee dated on the 25^th March 2013 and copy to the National Assembly, FIFA, Regional Governors, Mayors and the Media  in which MarketPlace Business Newspaper sports desk has a copy in possession.

Papa Gassama to attend Referee seminar

Bakary Papa Gassama

Gambia’s most potential central referee Bakary Gassama (Papa ) who recently served as the fourth official of the London Olympic football final will be part of seven central referees from across Africa to take part in a FIFA seminar for prospective referees hoping to officiate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

This seminar is part of the preparations for the World Cup selected match officials from the five continents will attend the seminar in their various confederations in April this year. The African seminar will be hosted in Morocco from 27 to 30 April 2013 while

Meanwhile, the others Seminars according to the information gathered will be held in USA (from 4-7 April), Paraguay (9-12 April), Zurich (16-19 April), UAE (22-25), all the training will held in the same month April 2013. 

Second Chinese language basic course wraps up

Our Mandarin Class

Ninety students from different walks of life recently concluded the second batch of the Mandinarin basic course conducted at the GNPC building on Bertil Harding Highway sponsored by the Taiwanese Embassy in The Gambia as part of the bilateral relations between the two nations.

In an interview with MarketPlace, Mrs Carring, an Overseas Volunteer from Taiwan to lecture the Mandarin Language in The Gambia University and the Taiwanese Cultural Centre, said the cultural centre is established by their Ambassador to The Gambia His Excellency Samuel Chen in March 2012.

Stay out, or else..., Sports Minister tells feuding GNOC camps

Sports minister Alieu Jammeh

Sports minister Alieu Jammeh yesterday urged the GNOC leadership and its feuding partner, the opposition camp, to quit running or having any interest in running the National Olympic Committee, since both sides have demonstrated that they cannot work in unity and are derailing the massive financial and human resource investment government and President Yahya Jammeh, in particular, have been doing to uplift sports in the country.  

‘Since 2008 to date, a colossal D100 million has been spent by the president and his government in sport,’ Jammeh told journalists at a press conference, adding that the current bickering and negative developments such as the GNOC saga are not helping the nation.

‘For far too long we have been asking for common sense in the GNOC matter. Government has been very patient, engaging and seeking unity of purpose in sports throughout the country, but the response had not been positive.