Gambian soccer followers dissatisfied over CAF disapproval of Independence Stadium
Gambian soccer followers are reeling from the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) determination to ban the Independence Stadium in Banjul from internet hosting worldwide matches because of its deteriorating situation.
This marks one other setback for the nation’s soccer group, which had lengthy hoped to see the nationwide staff return to their house floor.
CAF’s ruling, issued after a current inspection of the stadium, underscores concern over each structural security and upkeep points.
The stadium, a cornerstone of Gambia’s soccer tradition for many years, has not been used for worldwide fixtures since 2021.
Since that point, the Gambia nationwide staff has been pressured to play its “home” matches in neighbouring nations, together with Senegal and Morocco.
Local figures, together with Ousman Janneh, a former volunteer on the stadium, have expressed deep frustration over the choice. Widely referred to as Coach Charles, Janneh believes the stadium’s decline is basically because of years of neglect and poor administration.
“I remember volunteering when the stadium was first built,” he stated.
“But over time, the grass on the pitch has deteriorated because of overuse for events that had nothing to do with football.”
The Bahama grass, generally used within the stadium’s pitch, has been a selected level of competition.
He believes the stadium’s foundations are weakening and may have full reconstruction relatively than pricey renovation. “It may be better to build a new stadium elsewhere,” he added.
Pa Badou, a revered Gambia Football Association referee, additionally voiced his disappointment, significantly on the influence the ban has had on the nationwide staff.
Since 2021, Gambia’s gamers have confronted the problem of taking part in away from house, leaving native followers unable to assist their staff in particular person.
Badou lamented the current cancellation of a house match towards Comoros, which was relocated overseas because of the stadium’s unfit standing.
“It felt like a prank,” Badou stated, referring to the misplaced pleasure and subsequent letdown.
Both Janneh and Badou pointed to regional successes, notably Mauritania, which has invested closely in modernising its soccer infrastructure lately.
“Gambia needs to learn from countries like Mauritania,” Badou remarked.
“They refused to participate in international competitions until their venues met CAF’s standards. This kind of commitment is what we need.”
In response to the CAF ruling, Gambian soccer followers are actually calling on the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and the federal government to prioritise the development of recent sports activities services.
“We can do better,” Janneh stated, including “It’s time for Gambia to invest in a new stadium that meets international standards. Our team and our fans deserve it.”
Reporting by Adama Makasuba
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