Gifts Football academy of the Gambia will leave Banjul next month for Norway to participate in the Norwegian cup which is schedule from July 29 to August 4 2007, marking their third appearance.

Alieu Jeng, speaking to Pointsport, said this time around Gifts Gambia Academy will be travelling with only 16 male players.

Explaining the reason behind the reduction of the number of the participants, Mr. Jeng said that it was due to some problems they encountered in last year’s edition.

He added that during last year’s outing, one of the players in the name of Bangally Dukureh tried to abscond which posed a very difficult situation for them in trying to trace him.

George Lobba coach of the football academy said that the Norwegian Cup is not only based on football, but also facilitate exchange of cultures. He added that last year’s tournament featured about 43 nations including the Gambia.

He pointed out that the weeklong tournament showcase outstanding players adding that last year’s tournament attracted well known spectators including professional players and team managers.