By: Madi Senghore
Football stakeholders in The Gambia will meet on Thursday to validate a business plan for the establishment of the country’s first professional football league, a key step in efforts to professionalise the domestic game.
The validation workshop will be held at the Metzy Residence Hotel in Kololi and is expected to bring together representatives of the football community and other stakeholders to review the proposed framework for the league.
The proposed professional league forms part of ongoing efforts to transform The Gambia’s football structure from an amateur-based system into a professionally managed competition.
According to the organisers, the initiative aims to create a sustainable football industry capable of generating employment opportunities for players, coaches, referees, medical personnel, administrators, media practitioners, marketing professionals, security personnel and service providers.
The proposed league is also expected to stimulate commercial activity through sponsorship, broadcasting rights, merchandising and matchday-related business while supporting the development of local football talent.
Stakeholders say the project could also contribute to youth development by expanding career opportunities in football and promoting community participation through sport.
They emphasise that the success of the initiative will depend on collaboration among the government, the private sector, football clubs, supporters and development partners.
If implemented, the professional league would represent a significant milestone in the development of Gambian football and could reshape the administration and commercial organisation of the domestic game.
The initiative has been pursued during the administration of Gambia Football Federation President Lamin Kaba Bajo, whose tenure is drawing to a close.
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