The Gambia Football Coaches Association, in collaboration with the Gambia Football Association, on Sunday, bid farewell to  four Swedish coaches at a cocktail party held at the President Jammeh’s Joint Officers’ Mess in Kotu.

The Scandinavians were in country for a two-week working visit, during which, they engaged in training exercises with their Gambian counterparts.

Speaking at the gathering, Pa Suwareh Faye, president coaches association, said during their guests’ two weeks visit,  30 physical education teachers and 30 female coaches were trained on both theory practical.  He said their visitors also paid courtesy calls to sports authorities, associations as well as academies and schools in the country with the ultimate aim of presenting their objective for the four-year exchange programme between them and their owns in The Gambia.

Coach added that the partnership is all but to develop the standard of Gambian coaching.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, one of the visiting coaches, Cai Hielm, hailed their Gambian counterparts their hospitality.

He described their Gambia trip as a resounding success, noting that the objective of the visit was achieved. He pledged their incessant support to the development of Gambian football, especially at grassroot level.

For his part, the secretary of state for Youth and Sports, Mass Axi Gai, hailed the partnership, describing it as another milestone in the annals of Gambian football.  He also commended Sweden-based coach, Pa Musa Fofana, for coordinating such a brilliant partnership.

Sunday’s farewell ceremony was graced by Alhaji OB Conateh, founding father of Wallidan FC, who doubles as honourary life president of the Gambia Football Association, sports enthusiasts among others.

The gathering was also marked with a presentation of certificates to coaches and other supportive partners.