The Gambian leader, Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh has appointed Alhaji Mass Axi Gai, Second Vice- President of the Gambia Football Association as the new Secretary of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs replacing Mr Sheikh Omar Faye who is to be redeployed to the diplomatic missions.

President Jammeh was acting under the provisions of section 71(1) and 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.

SoS Mass Axi Gai’s appointment was greeted with applause from  the Gambian sports fraternity.

Gai, who has been serving as the Team President of the Gambia Ports Authority FC, has been involved in youth and sports activities since his youthful days, and the Banjul-born sports man has been tipped to the right place.

“I was delighted when I learnt of Axi’s appointment as the new Secretary of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs. He deserved the appointment and I have no doubt that he will live up to expectation.”

“With the coming of Axi Gai, the already cordial relations that exist between the sports department and sports associations, particularly the football association, will continue to grow from strength-to-strength,” member of the football association told Observer Sports yesterday.