The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) kicked off the maiden CAF D License Coaching Course for female coaches at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum. A total of 30 female participants selected from across the country are taking part in the course, with all coaches and instructors being female.
Presiding over the event on behalf of GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo, GFF General Secretary Lamin M Jassey expressed delight that all trainers for the course are female, describing it as the first time in GFF capacity-building programs. He described the program as “a great opportunity” for participants and for the broader development of women’s football in The Gambia.
Mr Jassey outlined the course as part of the Federation’s strategic plan under the Kaba Bajo-led executive, noting that “this is just one step of an incredible journey in Women’s football. The GFF is committed to organising more courses for female coaches.”
Mr Jassey emphasised that coach education is central to raising standards, adding that the GFF is focused not only on developing players but also on building capacity off the pitch.
“The league is not only about talent and competition but also about exporting players thanks to the great coaches,” he noted. He challenged participants to take the training seriously and take it as a pathway to higher qualifications.
Jaseey further highlighted the Federation’s commitment to infrastructure and development, referencing the capacity-building pillar of the GFF under President Bajo, which led to the establishment of the National Technical Training Centre.
He thanked CAF and FIFA for their continued support of the GFF’s technical development programs. He highlighted that such initiatives will help inspire more people to join football, while assuring that the GFF will continue to invest in female coach education as part of efforts to professionalise the game and create more opportunities for women in football.
Course Director and GFF Coordinator for Regional Coaches, Mr Lamin Sambou, welcomed participants and urged them to stay committed and active throughout the course. He described the all-female setup as “a very good program that promotes inclusivity and women’s empowerment.”
GFF Deputy Technical Director Ebrima Nyassi described the course as “timely and unprecedented” and reaffirmed the GFF technical department’s commitment to women’s football development. He said the Federation will monitor participants after training to ensure that what is learnt is impactful at the club level.
Senior Women’s Football Coordinator Philomena N. Jatta, who chaired the ceremony, also welcomed the 30 coaches and reminded them that this is a privilege and the first of its kind.
The Course instructors include Choro Mbenga, Mariama Bom Sowe, and Suna Njie. The ceremony was also attended by GFF Exco member Arret Njie Jah, Assistant Women’s football coach Angelick S Mendy, Coach Michael Spencer, and Coach Kebba Njie.
