Following the Gambia’s victory in recently concluded 8th African U-17 youth championship in Algeria, Gambians from different walks of life commended the U-17 team for their victory.

However, the Daily Observer went to the Airport where thousands of Gambian supporters were waiting for the arrival of the African U-17 champions. Below is the excerpts of the comments of some Gambians on the performance of the U-17 team in Algeria.

Ensa Badjie, Inspector General of Police
“I wish to thank President Jammeh because he is the chief supporter of the national team.  The boys have done very well and we hope that The Gambia will continue to shine forever in any international event. We are very happy and we should all commend President Jammeh for his timely efforts”.

Modou Gaye, Deputy Inspector General of Police
“Well I am very happy with the performance of the U-17. They have done very well. I thanked President Jammeh and the entire nation for their support and prayers to the U-17 national team. The Gambia is a peaceful country and that is why whatever we do, we always succeed in it.  I am also confident that the boys will bring the junior world cup for us in October 2009. I thanked them for their hard work and professionalism. We are very happy to receive them”.

Fanny Snubby, Scorpions Fans Club
“I am very happy with the boys.  They have done well even though we were not there this time around to cheer them up.  This is what is expected of a good citizen especially when you represent your country in foreign land.  I hope they will continue with the good work and bring us the World Cup from Nigeria, come October 2009”.

Malang Jassey, Director of Youth and Sports.
“I am very much delighted with the U-17. They are now  the African champions but we need to continue supporting and praying for them.  The boys also need to prepare very well in advance for the World Cup to be held in Nigeria”.

Ebrima Tiyana, Gambia Prisons Services.
“Well I am very happy with the U-17. They have made the Gambians proud and they have demonstrated a real sense of patriotism to the country. We are all proud of them and we will support them to the end. I am also confident that if they continue to work hard, they will win the world cup.  I therefore thanked all the Gambians and non-Gambians for their support to the U-17. A special commendation goes to His Excellency Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, for his relentless support to the team”.

Ibrahim Bun Sanneh, Executive Director National Drug Enforcement Agency.
“First of all I want to say congratulations to the U-17 team. We are proud of them and we are very happy to receive them. I also want to thank President Jammeh, the chief patron of the National team for his support and the entire nation”.