By: Madi Senghore
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has launched a five-day FIFA Member Associations Elite Referees Course for 43 match officials, including 10 women, as part of efforts to strengthen refereeing standards in the country.
The training programme, which opened on Wednesday at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum, is aimed at enhancing the technical and physical capacities of elite referees.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo described the course as a major milestone in the federation’s football development programme, noting that refereeing and coaching remain critical to the growth of the sport.
He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to investing in the development of match officials and commended Gambian referees for their professionalism and dedication throughout the football season.
Bajo also paid tribute to senior referees, including Lamin N. Jammeh, for mentoring younger officials, and highlighted the contribution of the C.A.R.M.S. project in improving refereeing standards nationwide.
The GFF president said the event would be the final FIFA Elite Referees Course he would officially open during his tenure, expressing hope that future leadership of the federation would continue to prioritise referee development.
He thanked FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Referees Association and FIFA instructors for their continued support in improving the standard of officiating in The Gambia.
FIFA instructor Mohamed Houssein Ali of Djibouti, who is leading the technical sessions, said the course focuses on the physical and technical demands of modern refereeing, including improved movement, positioning, speed and fitness.
He urged participants to embrace the training and maintain high fitness standards, expressing confidence that The Gambia would continue to produce referees capable of officiating at continental competitions.
Ali also praised the performance and commitment of the female referees participating in the programme.
Earlier, Referees Association President John Frank Mendy thanked the GFF leadership for its continued support of referee development and encouraged participants to make the most of the training opportunity.
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