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For years, Gambian football fans have argued that the Gambia Football Federation needs a leader who has truly lived the game — someone who understands the realities of the dressing room, the challenges faced by players, and the demands of representing the nation on the pitch.
Colonel Musa M. Balla Jammeh, popularly known as “Falconz,” believes he fits that profile.
His football journey began on the dusty pitches of Makumbaya Primary School, Basse High Level, Lamin and Serrekunda East before progressing through clubs such as Manju, Boca Juniors, Bundung United and Abuko United. He later established himself as one of the standout players of his generation through school football and the highly competitive Nawettan circuit, representing communities across Basse, Lamin and Serrekunda East.
A natural leader, Jammeh captained several teams throughout his career, including Wallidan FC and GAF FC, winning major honours and building a reputation for discipline, tactical intelligence and leadership.
His international career began in 1994 when he earned his first call-up to the Gambian national team while still a student at Nusrat High School. Two years later, during a month-long Scorpions training camp in Germany, Jammeh remained with the national squad and returned home with his teammates at a time when several players chose different paths abroad — an experience supporters cite as evidence of his patriotism and commitment to country.
After retiring from active football, Jammeh transitioned into administration, helping GAF FC secure additional league titles and overseeing key developments at the club. In 2010, he founded Falcons Football Club and guided its rise from the Nawettan ranks through the football pyramid to the First Division. He has also invested in football infrastructure in his native Makumbaya, where work continues on a permanent home ground for the club.
Supporters of his candidacy describe him as a rare figure who combines grassroots football experience, national team pedigree, club management expertise and long-term strategic vision. They argue that his journey from player to administrator gives him a unique understanding of every level of Gambian football.
As the race for the GFF presidency gathers momentum, Jammeh’s campaign is built around a simple message: that Gambian football should be led by someone who has experienced the game from the grassroots to the highest levels and is prepared to use that experience to shape its future.
— Team Musa Jammeh
