FIFA approves assistance prog for Gambia -as GFF prexy returns from Zurich

By Sulayman Bah World Football Governing body FIFA has approved a technical assistance programme for Gambia to begin in 2015. This latest development follows Gambia Football Federation president Lamin Kabba Bajo and VP Martin Gomez honour of invitation to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Switzerland.The assistance programme would be aimed at building the capacity of the GFF technical department. The Gambian pair was introduced to various FIFA packages which according to Blatter could be ‘maximally utilized’ by the GFF. Issuing statement on the advantages of Kabba’s meeting with Sepp, the GFF said in a statement said: ‘ President Blatter welcomed the Gambian Officials with open arms and expressed his happiness to receive what he described as ‘quality GFF ExCO’. He continued to express his pleasure to work with the new GFF leadership in order to achieve stability and rapid development in Gambian Football. President Blatter assured the Gambian Officials of his willingness and availability anytime to support and assist the Gambia on matters regarding the growth and progress of Gambian Football. President Bajo and team were later introduced to the various FIFA packages and programmes which according to President Blatter could be maximally utilised by the Gambia Football Federation. Out of this package, FIFA has approved a Technical Assistance programme for the Gambia by the beginning of 2015 to equip and help build the capacity of the GFF Technical Department. The Gambia will furthermore benefit from the FIFA Challenge Project in 2015 which is intended for the less privilege countries to enhance their Football development. President Blatter disclosed that the Gambia will benefit from this incentive in addition to the already FIFA Assistance Programme and World Cup Bonus. The GFF delegation was later introduced to the various FIFA academic and Technical Courses which according to President Blatter could greatly benefit The Gambia. In response, the GFF President thanked President Blatter for the warm welcome accorded him and his colleague, and his support for the development of Football in Africa. The GFF President further assured him of the continued unqualified support of the GFF ExCO in all his endeavours. Whilst conveying goodwill message from the GFF, the Football family and the government of the Gambia, the GFF President extended an invitation to the FIFA Boss to visit the Gambia at his earliest convenience. The invitation was accepted and time will be arranged later. The GFF delegation also held a Meeting with Senior FIFA Women Football Development Manager to familiarise themselves with the trends in Women Football development and the various opportunities FIFA can offer in this direction. GFF President and Mr Martin Gomez were finally held to various indoor meetings with the different Structural Heads at FIFA all geared towards enhancing Gambian Football development aspirations.”  ]]>