By Alhagie Babou Jallow
In an exclusive interview with Baboucarr Camara, Director of Communication and Marketing at the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) on the achievements of the Kaba Bajo-led GFF, he explained the concept of the Catch them Young Policy and many others. “In the implementation of our “Catch Them Young” policy, Grassroots and Youth Football Development has always been at the centre of the Kaba-led administration over the years. The Grassroots and Youth Football Unit under the Technical Department is headed by one of the most qualified personnel in the country. Clear and precise programmes are developed and implemented in collaboration with FIFA, CAF and the Schools’ Football Association”.On school football Mr Camara said one of their greatest achievements is reintroduction of the school football throughout the country through the signing and implementation of the MoU with the Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education.
“The tournament is nationwide and it is sponsored by the Federation. We have also piloted regional lower basic school football competitions in all the regions and football jamboree held in LRR, which culminated into a national championship hosted at the NTTC. 440 students in the U-15 & U-12 boys’ and girls’ categories were brought together by ensuring financial and technical support to the School Football Association’’, he explained.
He said the maiden edition of the CAF PAN African U-15 School Football Tournament was also played this year, bringing together schools from across the country. He also mentioned the FIFA Talent Development Scheme as one the grassroots football development initiatives.
On the Super Nawettan, the Communication Director GFF has made sure that it expanded it to include more zones. He said the super Netwettan provides opportunities to many people to showcase their talents and skills.
He said the expansion of the Supper Nawettan is done steps with the Central and Upper River Regions to be included in subsequent editions. “This will also ensure the total decentralisation of the competition that is used as a springboard for new talents to launch their career path in football”. However, he said the Super Nawettan could not happen in the last two years due to the Covid 19 Pandemic in the 1st year and the lack of infrastructure in the 2nd year.
On regional football, Mr Camara said the Kabba administration wants to make sure that third division men and women leagues have been established by each of the seven administrative regional football associations.
He said there is a functioning third division league across the country and it serves as the national third division league in our football pyramid.
‘’Since their establishment, we have seen an influx in the promotion of provincial teams playing in the national league system. Lower River Region has the greater share with three teams currently competing in the men second division in the shapes of B4U Kiang West, Jarra West and Dibba Oil as well as 2nd Infantry Battalion of the North Bank Region (who have since been relegated), Medical FC of Central River Region, and URR’s Wagadu.’’
He went on: “In the women’s category too, Lower Nuimi FC, Harts FC of LRR, Young Icons of Farafenni compete in the national league. In fact, until the promotion of Kiang West in 2018, no team beyond the borders of Brikama, had ever played in the national league”.
