The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) officially launched its maiden CAF A-Diploma Coaching Course on Tuesday at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum. Presided over by GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo, the launch marks a major milestone in local football development and fulfills a key promise from the Federation’s 2022 manifesto.
“To say that I am proud is an understatement,” President Bajo said during his opening address. “The launch of the CAF A-Diploma Course, alongside the FIFA Talent Academy, represents a monumental dream fulfilled and another major achievement under our strategic plan, particularly in capacity building.”
Bajo praised the Technical Department for developing qualified local instructors capable of delivering the course without international experts. He also recognized the three Gambian coaches who recently completed their CAF A- Diplomas in Liberia, calling them an inspiration to the new cohort. Reaffirming the GFF’s commitment to growth, he challenged the 18 participants to remain fully dedicated.
GFF Technical Director Sang John Ndong revealed that the program is the culmination of years of planning and strict CAF scrutiny. “It is a privilege for The Gambia to be recognized as a CAF center to conduct the A-Diploma Coaching Course,” Ndong said. “This is a collective achievement, and we are raising the bar to ensure high-quality delivery.
“The course is the highest coaching qualification currently offered in the country. Running from July 2026 to January 2027, it will span five days each month, totaling 240 hours of intensive theoretical and practical sessions, alongside a mandatory thesis project.
GFF Second Vice President Ebou Faye reflected on the Federation’s capacity building program under the the CARMS – the training of coaches, administrators, referees, medics and securities-, launched in 2014 to modernize local football. “When we introduced CARMS, there was only one CAF A License holder in the country,” Faye noted. “Today, this program represents one of our greatest achievements.” He added that the program aligns with the ongoing professionalization of domestic leagues and the successful decentralization of regional Third Division football.
Representing the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Alasana Sey emphasized the vital link between school sports and grassroots football. “The best way for us to excel in football is through partnership,” Sey said, advocating for more Physical Education teachers to pursue formal coaching qualifications.
The ceremony was chaired by GFF General Secretary Lamin M. Jassey and attended by WAFU Zone A Technical Director Samba Gaye, alongside GFF Executive Committee member, including the first Vice President Bakary K. Jammeh.
The inaugural cohort consists of 18 participants, all current CAF B License holders coaching in Gambian leagues and national teams, including one international participant from Senegal.
