The eleven-points petition issued by the national Scorpions could be described as a move in the wrong direction.

The way and the manner they put up their case is very much disgusting and irksome to say the least.

However, I must first confess that the eleven-point request contained some pertinent issues that must be noted by both the national football governing body and the Department of State for Youth, Sports & Religious Affairs. One such point is the case of the German Antoine Hey whose position is not still clear.

Just like they claimed, I think the concerned authorities should finalise the deal at once so that the coach Hey can be put to task.

Scorpions also have every right to claim their bonuses just like any other player representing his/her motherland at an international arena. But issuing such a disgusting ultimatum will not solve anything.

Many short-sighted individuals may think there exist is a preferential treatment when it comes to patronising the national teams for their sacrifice. But, in my humble opinion, all national teams are being rewarded accordingly for their struggle for our beloved motherland.

Scorpions must have been tempted and envied by the conspicuous success gathered by the gallant U-20 team in an international arena hence the enormous support they’re receiving from the general public. Yet, they should be aware that the U-20 team deserve more than the given. Gambia football fans were dragged on board-thanks to the team’s valiant performance in the 2005 U-17 Championship.
The clinching of the first-ever CAF/FIFA title in 2005 was a turning point in Gambian football. The same team fought a tooth-and-nail qualifier pool to land a place in the African Youth Championships finals before taking Gambia to her first-ever U-20 World Cup. This alone is enough for everyone to throw their weight behind the U-20 team.

Besides, when it comes to enjoying national support, the senior scorpions were the first to benefit even though they have never qualified for any CAF/FIFA competition yet. To back my argument, I will draw the minds of my dear readers to the 2004 Nations Cup campaign when our visionary and benevolent leader, Dr Alhagi Yahya Jammeh gave a plot of land to every member of the Scorpions team despite their elimination from the qualifier campaign by Senegal in 2003. It was the first of its kind Gambian footballers receive such a generous treatment. If each team member can get a plot of land despite been eliminated on the way, what would have been the reward if they had qualified for the tournament proper?

I wonder who the masterminds of this intricate operation are, but the person(s) should bear in mind that The Gambia is our homeland and will remain our homeland. And we should not expect anyone from outside to come and help us take it forward if not ourselves.

What the Scorpions should endeavour right now is to strive and qualify for Ghana 2008 and nothing else. If they want a heroes’ treatment then why shouldn’t they strive to delight the hearts of the Gambians....

-Nanama Keita