By Sulayman Bah
Gambia is due to name a new coach if recent comments emanating from the 
Football Federation are anything to go by.
The Scorpions are without a coach since the ‘sacking’ of Raoul Savoy after Gambia failed to qualify for the World Cup. But GFF’s Ebou Faye said the anxious wait will soon come to a dead end but wouldn’t give a definite date.
“It is just the first if February. But very soon. Very soon,” he told Foroyaa Sport yesterday morning. He was however reluctant to reveal names of those being considered for the vacant job.
Meanwhile, anxiety is the current mood of Gambian fans over Gambia Football Federation seemingly unending wait to announce a new man to take charge of the Scorpions’ remaining qualifier matches.
The team’s managerial hot-seat is at the moment vacant following the dramatic departure of Swiss-born gaffer Raoul Savoy. The 41-year-old claimed he resigned contrary to GFF assertions his services was terminated. But with the drama of that aspect is now history, a new man is still to be assigned to lead Gambia for the remaining fixtures of the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier games.
A local-based coach is expected to take up the reigns, according to a source, given the unnecessary colossal sums involved in hiring a foreign gaffer for just a short period.
But from sources close to Football House, Foroyaa Sport understands that the opinion of ‘experienced’ coaches have been sought by the federation with a view to getting a clue as to who is best suited for the role.
The majority of coaches invited to football headquarters are reported to have been offered the job but a few of them are said to have been apprehensive regarding the taking up of the responsibility of leading a team whose chances of qualification are slim.
Notwithstanding, a list of ‘top’ coaches is being evaluated by the GFF with one of those said to be Gambia U-20 coach Omar Sise, who was one of candidates interviewed prior to appointment of Raoul Savoy.
Sise is aware of the risk involved in accepting proposal to become full-time coach but offered to step in on a temporary basis.
“I wouldn’t say I’m not interested. I was one of the people that were interviewed but if it’s basis on long term, I would say I would rather stay with being Gambia U-20 coach. If it’s on an interim – to take care of the remaining four games I would say yes if I am needed. I understand they are looking for someone for a longer term. If that is it, would rather stay with my U-20. I have a future with them. So I’m not going to jeopardise that,” he told Foroyaa Sport last week.
