Kemo Ceesay, a candidate for the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidential election, recently unveiled a 20-page policy document titled “The Coach Manifesto 2026–2030.” The manifesto outlines his reform agenda ahead of the GFF presidential election scheduled for August. Ceesay stated his intention to lead significant changes within the federation. "We are not coming to experiment — we are coming to lead, reform, and deliver," Kemo Ceesay said, emphasizing his team's commitment to implementing their proposed reforms. His policy document details a vision for the GFF's direction for the period between 2026 and 2030.
Governance and Transparency Overhaul
Kemo Ceesay's manifesto aims to transform Gambian football by emphasizing transparency, accountability, professionalism, and national unity. The policy document states, "Football in The Gambia stands at a defining moment. While significant progress has been achieved in recent years, systemic challenges continue to limit our full potential." He proposes that good governance forms the bedrock of effective sports administration, influencing decision-making, resource management, and accountability. "Good governance is the cornerstone of successful sports administration. It defines how decisions are made, how resources are managed and how accountability is upheld," the manifesto asserts.
Under Ceesay's proposed administration, the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) would publish annual audited financial reports. This measure is intended to enhance financial transparency and allow for public scrutiny of the federation's fiscal practices. Decision-making processes within the GFF would also be opened to greater stakeholder scrutiny, fostering a more inclusive and participative environment.
Ceesay's reform agenda further proposes a clearer separation between the political leadership and the administrative management functions within the federation. This structural change aims to streamline operations and prevent potential conflicts of interest. The manifesto also emphasizes the broader role of football beyond sports, stating, "Football will not only be a sporting activity but also a national entertainment product and investment platform."
To facilitate these changes, Ceesay proposes the establishment of an Expertise and Advisory Committee. This committee would comprise former GFF and GFA leaders, veteran administrators, and retired football figures, leveraging their collective experience to guide the federation. The manifesto stresses the importance of an inclusive approach, declaring, "Football must be inclusive, accessible and empowering for all." It also notes the necessity of unity within the sport, stating, "A united football family is the foundation for growth, success and national pride." Additionally, the manifesto outlines plans for player development, noting, "The Semi-Professional League will provide a structured pathway for clubs transitioning to professional status while improving player welfare and strengthening club management."
Regional Development and Infrastructure
Kemo Ceesay proposes establishing a Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Regional Headquarters in Soma as part of his reform agenda. The initiative aims to decentralize football administration and enhance its reach across the nation. A proposed regional secretariat system would supervise football activities in the North Bank Region, Lower River Region, Central River Region, and Upper River Region, according to Ceesay's manifesto. This structure is designed to bring GFF operations closer to regional stakeholders and facilitate more direct oversight of local football development.
Ceesay is promising the creation of regional training centres to nurture talent outside the capital area. His plan also includes upgrades to existing football facilities in Yundum, aiming to improve playing conditions and infrastructure for players and clubs. Additionally, the manifesto emphasizes enhanced collaboration with local governments to foster a more integrated approach to sports development at the grassroots level. Such partnerships are intended to ensure that local authorities are actively involved in supporting football initiatives within their respective jurisdictions.
Kemo Ceesay brings extensive experience to his presidential bid, having spent more than two decades in Gambian football administration. His career includes nearly a decade as the GFF Finance Director, a role that provided him with detailed insight into the federation's operational and financial mechanisms. Ceesay has stated his team's commitment to implementing their proposed reforms, saying, "We are not coming to experiment — we are coming to lead, reform, and deliver."
League Structure and Competition Expansion
Kemo Ceesay's reform manifesto addresses the structure and expansion of domestic football competitions, aiming to broaden participation and professionalize the sport. Anti-corruption safeguards would be strengthened within these structures, according to the document. Ceesay proposes the introduction of a nationwide Third Division League, which would expand the formal football pyramid across the country. This initiative seeks to create more opportunities for clubs and players beyond the existing top tiers.
Additionally, the manifesto outlines plans for regional Fourth Division competitions. These regional leagues are intended to further decentralize football development, catering to local talent pools and fostering grassroots engagement. Kemo Ceesay also proposes the revival of the Super Nawetaan and National Zonal competitions. These competitions, popular in Gambian football history, would be brought back to re-energize community-level involvement and inter-zonal rivalries.
A significant proposal in Ceesay's plan is the creation of a Semi-Professional League. This league is designed to bridge the gap between amateur and fully professional football, providing a structured pathway for player development and club management improvements. The initiative aims to enhance player welfare and elevate the overall standard of play, preparing clubs for potential professional status. Ceesay also promised a full rebranding of domestic competitions, a move intended to increase their visibility, marketability, and appeal to fans and potential sponsors alike. The rebranding effort would align with the broader goal of making football a national entertainment product and investment platform.
Inclusivity and Player Welfare
Kemo Ceesay's reform manifesto proposes overhauling governance structures and strengthening transparency within the Gambia Football Federation. The document notes that "Football in The Gambia stands at a defining moment. While significant progress has been achieved in recent years, systemic challenges continue to limit our full potential." He is committed to expanding women’s competitions and proposes increasing female leadership representation to at least 30 percent. Ceesay also advocates for ensuring equal access to football resources and opportunities for women. Under his plan, women’s clubs in the First and Second Divisions would be granted direct membership of the federation with full voting rights.
The manifesto asserts that "Good governance is the cornerstone of successful sports administration. It defines how decisions are made, how resources are managed and how accountability is upheld." In line with this, the document calls for the creation of a Grievance and Harassment Committee. Ceesay's administration further promises to integrate disability football into national development plans. His program includes the establishment of a dedicated Welfare and Safeguarding Department, alongside mental health services for players, referees, and technical staff. The manifesto states, "Football must be inclusive, accessible and empowering for all."
Additionally, the program encompasses mentorship initiatives for players and full health insurance for players, referees, and technical staff. A key aspect of his vision is that "The Semi-Professional League will provide a structured pathway for clubs transitioning to professional status while improving player welfare and strengthening club management." The manifesto also emphasizes that "A united football family is the foundation for growth, success and national pride," and that "Football will not only be a sporting activity but also a national entertainment product and investment platform."
Media, Sponsorship, and Vision
Kemo Ceesay’s manifesto outlines plans to enhance the visibility and financial stability of Gambian football through media and sponsorship initiatives. He promised weekly football television programming, aiming to bring local matches and football-related content to a broader audience. This initiative seeks to increase engagement among fans and improve the sport's profile.
Ceesay also pledged stronger digital storytelling, which would involve utilizing digital platforms to share narratives, notes, and updates about Gambian football. The objective is to connect with a wider, digitally-savvy audience and promote the sport online.
To boost financial investment in the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Ceesay promised new sponsorship frameworks. These frameworks are designed to attract fresh investment from various sectors, providing a stable financial base for the federation and its programs. The proposed changes collectively aim to modernize the GFF's approach to media outreach and commercial partnerships.