Please
be informed that history will not be kind to me if I refuse to point out or
draw your attention at this crisis as per the catastrophe faced by our sports and
it related matters under your leadership. It is in that note I write to your
high office to express my total dissatisfaction, profound concern and melancholy
over the present state of Gambia’s Football, and the future of the sport in our
country.
Surprisingly
enough the Ministry of Youth & Sports (MOYS) is responsible for meeting
policy issues as well as co-operating with donor agencies for the youth
development programs. Yet still our sports is facing major challenges under
your watch.
The
biggest tragedy to national development is when a minister don’t have a clear
vision neither how to go over it. The road isn’t easy, but without proper,
well-thought efforts being put into its development, we will continue to falter
instead of proceeding forward for a better Gambia. What The Gambia football
needs is a vision, backed by your ministry, helmed by a strong coach, with
development programs initiated throughout the country from Kartong to Koina.
Only then will we be seeing the rise of the nation as a footballing power in
years to come.
The
last time I checked this year’s NaYCONF event was poorly managed as a result of
inadequate accommodation and food for the participants. Honorable minister, I
doubt if you were scrutinize as per your leadership skills and educational
background before given this position to lead such a prestigious ministry
considering the role played by youth in national development. The youth are the
leaders of today and tomorrow therefore they need to be supported to realize and
achieve their dreams as it is the only way we can make our country great.
Of
recent I felt disappointed, flag basted, bowl over beyond all human imagination
upon reading the news that our own Gambia female national team were left
stranded at a foreign airport sleeping. As if we don’t have a minister
responsible for such. One of the most productive sectors in any nation
development is sports. Sports bring about the physical and mental development
of human beings. This informs the reason why developed nations pay a lot of
attention to sport development which has contributed to having a productive work force that have performed
social, economic and political miracles.
Be
reminded that leaders help themselves and others to do the right things and at
the right time, right place in an effective and efficient manner. They set
direction, build an inspiring vision, and create something new. Leadership is
about mapping out where you need to go to "win" as a team or an
organization; and it is dynamic, exciting, and inspiring.
If
we are to match our foreign counterparts, a lot of change is needed in the way
sport is perceived in The Gambia under your leadership, serious monetary
investment with a long term goal in mind is necessary, along with the
appointment of a proper coaches with their own staff, instead of saddling
everything on an individual.
Furthermore
What Gambia’s football needs is an injection of investment at all levels, from
a strong grassroots program. There is also the substandard nature of our
league. From the bad pitches to poor officiating and also poor remuneration of
our players, your ministry cannot raise the standard of our leagues, but can
create enabling environment. Consequently sir, as minister of youth and sports,
you can mobilize the private sector to not only own football teams but develop
the facilities and pay players substantially in order to make the league
attractive and competitive.
Hon
minister, considering your inadequate knowledge in leadership and sports
administration I think you might need a consortium of sports administrators and
practitioners to assist you to formulate sports policies and programes that
will assist you in the onerous responsibilities bestowed on you if you want to
stay long in that hot chair.
To
be continued………
Saidina Alieu Jarjou
Blogger/Political Activist
prof.jarjou@gmail.com
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