The President of the Gambia Football Association, Seedy Kinteh, has poured praises on The Gambia government for providing them the land for the construction of the state-of-the-art- structure that would serve as The Gambia’s ‘house of football’.

The elated GFA boss also complimented the Gambian leader, Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, for his personal commitment and contributions to Gambian football. Kinteh was speaking at the handing over of the keys to the FIFA-funded Administrative Building from the contractor to the football association on Saturday at the Kanifing Institutional Area.

He said the provision of the structure will give the football association an exclusive opportunity to run the affairs of the game under one roof, adding that it was all possible because of the significant and expert assistance of FIFA, under the wise leadership of Joseph Blatter and The Gambia government.

“I will thank the FIFA President, Mr Joseph S. Blatter, for his special and unique contribution to the development of football in The Gambia and the world at large.”

“I will also pay a special tribute to Mr Sampon Kablan, FIFA Development Officer, for his expert advice and his incredible effort and firm commitment to the development of football in The Gambia”

“The Department of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs deserves mention for collaboration. The consultant, the contractor, Gambian public and the task force committee, under the leadership of Brigadier-General, Lang Tombong Tamba, the Second Vice-President of the Gambia Football Association, all need to be praised for their enthusiasm and for their love for football,” Kinteh said.

Ebou Joof,  Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, who deputised for SoS Sheikh Omar Faye, commended the World Football Governing Body, for their unwavering assistance to The Gambia, adding that government alone does not have the capacity to run the country’s football.

Saturday’s handing over ceremony, which was chaired by GFA’s Secretary-General, Jammeh Bojang, was attended by the executive members of the football association, representatives of the league clubs and scores of sports enthusiasts.