Kemo Ceesay, a candidate for the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidency, publicly launched his manifesto on Saturday, outlining his vision for the organization. Mr. Ceesay stated, "We shall be accountable through regular reporting, and putting place independent disciplinary and judicial systems." He further elaborated on his platform, saying, "The document serves as both a call to action and a practical guide for creating meaningful change for football. The game of football is more than 90 minutes on the pitch; it is also a unifying force that helps meet dreams. I stand before you today, not merely to launch a manifesto, but to launch a vision of a united football family for inclusive development. We want to launch a vision for excellency, accountability, transformation, and above all, a vision that belongs to every stakeholder in Gambia."
Vision for Football's Future
Kemo Ceesay, who previously served as the finance director of the Gambia Football Federation, unveiled his manifesto, which he characterized as "a call to action and a practical guide for creating meaningful change for football." He added, "The game of football is more than 90 minutes on the pitch; it is also a unifying force that helps meet dreams. I stand before you today, not merely to launch a manifesto, but to launch a vision of a united football family for inclusive development. We want to launch a vision for excellency, accountability, transformation, and above all, a vision that belongs to every stakeholder in Gambia." Businessman Muhammad M Jagana described the manifesto as a strategic transformation agenda featuring 15 specific pillars of reform. Mr. Ceesay also pledged, "We shall be accountable through regular reporting, and putting place independent disciplinary and judicial systems."
Growing Support and Endorsements
Amadou Jaiteh, a former contender for the GFF presidency, withdrew his bid and subsequently joined forces with Kemo Ceesay, consolidating support for the latter's campaign. Demba Sanyang, a former national team player, described Mr. Ceesay as the appropriate candidate for the position. Ismaila M Ceesay, who serves as the president of the Gambia Schools Football Association, urged stakeholders to vote for Kemo Ceesay. He stated, "We saw in Kemo a vision and a roadmap that speaks not in vague promises but in concrete commitments to regional development, youth structures and competition pathways that connect a child’s first touch of a ball to the national stage."
The presidents of seven regional and allied associations have also publicly declared their support for Mr. Ceesay's presidential campaign. This growing backing follows Mr. Ceesay's manifesto launch, where he pledged, "We shall be accountable through regular reporting, and putting place independent disciplinary and judicial systems." He further articulated his vision, saying, "The document serves as both a call to action and a practical guide for creating meaningful change for football."
Key Commitments and Reforms
Kemo Ceesay's manifesto outlines a full vision for the Gambia Football Federation, centered on transparency, holistic development, excellence, and capacity building. He also emphasized opportunity creation, accountability, collaboration, heritage, and innovation as core tenets. Ceesay stated, "The document serves as both a call to action and a practical guide for creating meaningful change for football. The game of football is more than 90 minutes on the pitch; it is also a unifying force that helps meet dreams. I stand before you today, not merely to launch a manifesto, but to launch a vision of a united football family for inclusive development. We want to launch a vision for excellency, accountability, transformation, and above all, a vision that belongs to every stakeholder in Gambia." He further pledged, "We shall be accountable through regular reporting, and putting place independent disciplinary and judicial systems." Sosseh Colley, a prominent elder and football enthusiast from Bakau, has declared his backing for Kemo Ceesay's presidential bid.