The Gambia’s Zone II squad to the forthcoming Zone II tournament to be held in Guinea Bissau on November 30 to December 10 and top brass of the GFA were yesterday received at State House by Ousman Jammeh, secretary of state for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Resources and head of the Civil Service on behalf of President Yahya Jammeh.

The 18 man Gambian team and GFA officials who were led to State House by Seedy Kinteh, President of the Gambia Football Association, sought President Jammeh’s prayers and guidance to ensure a successful tournament for The Gambia.

Speaking at the ceremony, SoS Jammeh on behalf of President Jammeh expressed delight at receiving the team. He implored the team to manifest their dedication and commitment in lifting the Gambian flag high.

“You have been lifting the Gambian flag high. We are today known all over the world and you have participated effectively. Keep up the momentum,” he advised.

According to him, the tradition of the scorpions to meet President Jammeh before their departure for any international tournament and seek his blessing is laudable. He assured them that President Jammeh will give all the necessary support and guidance to the team.

“We will add one element of prayers to ensure that your efforts be crowned with success,” he said. He advised them to work as a team saying. He assured them that President Jammeh and all Gambians will continue to pray for them.

On the commitment of the government to sports, SoS Jammeh said that this is manifested by President Jammeh in the special attention paid to the department.

Mass Axi Gai, secretary of state for Youth and Sports commended President Jammeh for his tremendous efforts in supporting sports in the country. He also expressed confidence in the team and implored them to strive hard to lift the trophy. “I am encouraged that you will lift the trophy as I am informed of your preparedness for the tournament.

You have been doing your best in several tournaments but to no avail but this time I hope you will lift the trophy,” he said.

He assured them that his department of state will continue to support the team and any other sporting activity in the country. He also announced that there is a special package for the players, which they will receive after the Bissau tournament.

Sait Mbye, director of Youths and Sports on behalf of the entire football fraternity also commended the Gambian leader for his continued support to the sports sector.

He said that the team has all what is needed to win the tournament and declared that the Gambian team will lift the trophy.

“This year we will not lose. We must win the tournament and bring back the trophy,” he assured.

Seedy Kinteh, President of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) confirmed that it is a tradition to meet the president to seek his blessings whenever the team is leaving for a national duty. He, on behalf of the GFA, saluted President Jammeh for his continued assistance to the sports sector in the country.

This, he said, is a clear manifestation of President Jammeh’s love for the game and willingness to develop the nation.

According to Mr Kinteh, all preparations have been made for the team to win the tournament. He also asserted that the Gambian team will this time lift up the trophy. He also thanked the Department of State for Youths and Sports for their support in ensuring the participation of the team in the tournament.

Omar Ceesay, 2nd Vice President of GFA is expected to head the Gambian team to Guinea Bissau.

Present at the ceremony where Jose Martinez, senior coach, Alhagie Njie-Biri, team manager; Tarek Siagy, assistant coach (technical) and Lamin Sarr, assistant coach among others.

The ceremony was also graced by secretaries of state and other senior government officials. Ebrima JT Kujabi, director of press and public relations, Office of the President chaired the ceremony.