Gambian soccer followers are reeling from the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) choice to ban the Independence Stadium in Banjul from internet hosting worldwide matches as a result 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 dwelling floor.
CAF’s ruling, issued after a latest 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 compelled 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 often known as Coach Charles, Janneh believes the stadium’s decline is basically as a result 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 specific level of competition.
He believes the stadium’s foundations are weakening and may have full reconstruction fairly than expensive 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, notably 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 dwelling, leaving native followers unable to assist their staff in particular person.
Badou lamented the latest cancellation of a house match in opposition to Comoros, which was relocated overseas as a result of 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 amenities.
“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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