This afternoon, the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie , who doubles as Chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee, paid a visit to the Gambian delegations in their various hotels in Yamoussoukro. He was accompanied by Mr. Lamin Kabba Bajo, President of the Gambia Football Federation, who is also the Vice Chair of the NCC, Permanent Secretaries, and other Committee members
Hon. Badjie expressed gratitude to learn that all the delegates are happy with the accommodation and feeding services in their respective hotels. He used the opportunity to show appreciation for their efforts and support towards the AFCON Campaign.
Honourable Badjie said the first crucial match with our neighbour, Senegal was very tough but notwithstanding it should motivate the supporters to be very positive, citing that loosing the first game does not determine our status in the tournament, and that "we should look forward to secure needed points in subsequent matches."'
He thanked the sponsors and everyone who contributed towards Gambia's AFCON. "Sports, especially football is a unifier and in The Gambia and both government and private sector should support so that it shift from a public to a private financed sector." Hon Minister emphasized.
He urged the delegation to be patient and respect the culture and laws of Côte D'ivoire, including those regulations at stadium.
Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, the President of the Gambia Football Federation, thanked the delegations for their patience and dedication in supporting the Scorpions and The Gambia as a whole, while urging them to not be demoralized by yesterday's results.
He acknowledged the government for continuous support to the team while recognizing the good support received from private sectors.
Pap Yusupha Njie, Chairman of the logistics committee thanked the delegations for their hard work and mutual understanding which is a show of respect and support for the team, he ask that team spirit be maintained among them.
Momodou Lamin Sanyang, a member of the scorpions Fans Club, Lamin Tambedou, a representative of Trust Bank as sponsors, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay of the National Assembly spoke at different hotels on behalf of their residence. All of them narrated the support and understanding among the delegations and the support the NCC rendered to them upon their arrival, while thanking government for the huge support.
The tour took the Minister and NCC members to Cite Augustine Hotel, Hotel Etoile Dustade, and Eden Havre Hotel.
