The ceremony celebrated the Scorplings’ success as champions of the WAFU-A U-17 tournament. The squad, accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie, Gambia Football Federation (GFF) President Kemo Ceesay and other key stakeholders, was warmly received by the Head of State.
Presenting the cheque, President Barrow praised the players for their dedication and grit on the international stage. He urged them to remain disciplined, humble and hardworking, describing football as a transformative force capable of changing lives and uniting the nation.
Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie highlighted the difficulty of the achievement. “Winning the trophy against our good neighbours was never an easy feat, especially in such a tense atmosphere, but you managed to pull it off,” he said. The minister also assured the federation and the team of full government support for preparations ahead of next year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
GFF President Kemo Ceesay expressed appreciation for the government’s consistent backing and paid tribute to Head Coach Yahya Manneh and the technical staff for bringing the trophy home. Coach Manneh thanked the Presidency and called for continued investment in local coaches to strengthen national team development.
Player Samboujang Daffeh, speaking on behalf of the squad, extended gratitude to the government, the GFF and the Gambian public for their support throughout the campaign.
The high-profile event, attended by senior GFF officials, ministry representatives and members of the National Scorpions Fan Club, concluded with a photo session that underscored national pride in the young champions.
The bonus and official recognition reaffirm Gambia’s commitment to nurturing its next generation of football talent as the Scorplings prepare for the continental stage in 2027.