Musa Jammeh Launches GFF Presidential Bid with Call to Build on Past Successes

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidential aspirant Colonel Musa M. Jammeh has officially launched his manifesto and campaign team, promising to build on the achievements of previous football administrations while introducing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, transparency and sustainable development.

Addressing football stakeholders, delegates, former federation leaders and members of the media, Colonel Jammeh described the launch as “a defining moment” for the country’s football, saying the future of the game can only be secured by learning from its past.

“Today marks far more than the launch of a manifesto or the unveiling of a campaign team.

“It is a defining moment in the history of Gambian football, a moment to reflect on where we have come from, appreciate those who brought us this far, and present a clear vision for where we must go next,” he said.

Jammeh argued that preserving the federation’s institutional memory is essential for effective leadership, saying every successful organisation must understand its history before charting a new course.

“No institution can confidently shape its future without first understanding its past.

“History is not merely a record of events; it is a guide for decision-making, a source of wisdom and a safeguard against repeating costly mistakes.”

Tribute to Former GFF Leaders

A major theme of Jammeh’s address was his recognition of former GFF presidents, whom he credited with laying the foundation for the game’s development despite the different challenges they faced during their respective administrations.

He praised Alhagie Ousman Basi Conateh for keeping football alive during periods of national uncertainty through dedication and personal sacrifice.

According to Jammeh, Gabby Sosseh modernised football administration by introducing a more structured and corporate approach, overseeing landmark infrastructure projects such as the FIFA Goal Project and the National Technical Training Centre while promoting stakeholder consultation.

He also credited Alhagie Omar Sey with spearheading governance reforms during one of the federation’s most difficult periods, saying the constitutional and administrative changes laid the foundation for greater transparency, accountability and democratic governance within Football House.

Jammeh further recognised Seedy Kinteh, under whose leadership The Gambia recorded memorable successes on the pitch, while stressing that sporting achievements must always be backed by sound financial management and strong institutions.

He also highlighted the achievements of the current administration under Lamin Kaba Bajo, describing it as a period that restored confidence following institutional and international setbacks.

Jammeh credited the administration with strengthening financial discipline, expanding football infrastructure, promoting women’s football and guiding The Gambia to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.

“These accomplishments transformed Gambian football from an underachieving nation into one that now commands respect across Africa and beyond,” he said.

Campaign Built on Continuity

Presenting his vision, Jammeh rejected the idea of abandoning previous achievements, saying his ambition is rooted in years of service to football rather than personal political ambition.

A former footballer, founder and president of Falcons Football Club, GFF Executive Committee member, Chairman of the Procurement Committee and CAF Safety and Security Officer, Jammeh said his experience across different levels of football administration has prepared him to lead the federation.

“I am not presenting myself as a candidate to begin a new chapter by discarding the past. I seek your trust to continue the journey that previous leaders began while addressing the emerging challenges of modern football.”

He pledged to consolidate governance reforms, strengthen financial sustainability, modernise football administration, expand infrastructure nationwide, invest in youth and women’s football, commercialise domestic competitions and improve player welfare.

A Campaign Beyond Personalities

Jammeh said his campaign is centred on unity rather than division, arguing that the future of football in The Gambia depends on protecting institutional gains while embracing innovation.

He also unveiled what he described as a team of experienced administrators and respected football stakeholders committed to serving the game with integrity, competence and accountability.

“Our campaign is therefore not about personalities or division. It is about preserving the institutional gains of the past while unlocking new opportunities for the future.

“It is about ensuring that Football House remains a respected institution governed by transparency, professionalism and excellence.”

Concluding his address, Jammeh appealed to delegates to embrace a shared vision for the future of football in The Gambia.

“Together, let us protect the legacy we inherited. Together, let us strengthen the institution we all cherish. Together, let us write the next chapter in the remarkable story of Gambian football.”

His manifesto launch formally marks the start of his campaign for the GFF presidency on a platform centred on continuity, institutional reform, accountability and sustainable football development ahead of the federation’s presidential election.