By Musa Sise
Veteran Gambian journalist Pap Saine has been honoured by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS Africa) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his longstanding contribution to African football journalism and coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The award was presented during a special ceremony at FIFA Africa Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, on the sidelines of ongoing continental football activities, with senior officials from African football and the media in attendance.
Saine, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most respected sports journalists, has reported on 16 AFCON tournaments between 1978 and 2006, and also covered three FIFA World Cups: Italy 1990, USA 1994, and France 1998.
In addition to his reporting, Saine served as a CAF Media Officer from 1998 to 2004, contributing to media operations and communications for CAF competitions. He also worked with Reuters as the African dean, mentoring generations of journalists over a career spanning 49 years.
During the ceremony, Saine expressed gratitude to AIPS Africa, the Gambia Sports Journalists Association (GSJA), and the media fraternity. “This award is not only a sign of encouragement; it also serves as an inspiration for young sports journalists,” he said.
Saine currently serves as Honorary President of the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, continuing to mentor and guide upcoming journalists.
The joint recognition by AIPS Africa and CAF celebrates Saine’s integrity, professionalism, and unmatched contribution to African football journalism, marking him as a benchmark for excellence in the continent’s sports media.