The Gambia Football Association has, for the first time in the fifty-three years of nation’s footballing history, used its own initiative to acquire the services of a foreign coach for the Scorpions.

Mr Seedy Kinteh, president of the national football governing body, yesterday presided over the signing ceremony of Belgian Paul Put  - thanks largely to Gambia’s leading GSM company, Africell, which has offered to pay for the services of the coach.

Speaking at yesterday’s gathering, the GFA boss Seedy Kinteh said the European was confirmed as the best candidate for Scorpions job after a thorough investigation - technically, administratively and financially. He said that the Belgian will not only serve as Scorpions coach, but will also work hand-in-hand with the technical committee to develop Gambian football.

The GFA president added that yesterday’s signing ceremony would not have come without the financial support of Africell- a long partner of the football association, who did not only stand by them, but stand with them at all times.

He also hailed the proprietor of Sea View Hotel, Hatib Janneh Junior, for his unflinching support during the rough period.

Kinteh then cautioned the new Scorpions coach that the “daunting challenge” lying ahead must be executed as expected.

“Paul Put you come at a very crucial time and you have a big task. You have to qualify the team to 2010 Nations Cup final in Angola and the World Cup final in South Africa,” he said.

Major-General Lang Tombong Tamba, first vice-president of The Gambia Football Association, who chaired yesterday’s ceremony, admitted that it’s the duty of GFA to administer the affairs of football in the country, but was quick to add that the football association cannot do it alone hence the move to partner with other stakeholders in complementing government’s effort.

For his part, Mr Alieu Badara Mbye, Managing Director of Africell, said his company has has always supported the government in all sectors. He assured the the national football governing body that Africell will always be there to support whenever the need arises.

Mr Mbye also assured the coach of his company’s full support in ensuring that the Scorpions achieve their dream in the global football.

Yesterday’s signing ceremony was, among others, attended by the permanent secretary at the department of state for Youth and Sports, Mambanjicky Njie, who deputised for his secretary of state Mass Axi Gye, officials of Africell, The Gambia Football Association and the members of the Scorpions Fan Club.