WE’VE MADE OUR MARK  Written by Lamin Cham    Sunday, 25 September 2005 President Jammeh said yesterday that  The Gambia  has made a name in the current Fifa Under-17 World Cup being played in Peru. Speaking to the Daily Observer, shortly after jetting in from the UN summit, and before last night’s elimination of the team, Jammeh said he is a proud man, and so is the nation, as the boys have popularised the country in a manner that no one could.
“Now everyone is talking about The Gambia and expressing support and encouragement.  Sports is the best way to bring attention to a nation and people as well as project the attention of the
youths to positive things,’’  he said.

President Jammeh lamented that he was not able to watch Gambia’s first two matches as they were not shown by the channels he tried in the USA.
“But what I can tell you is that our target was nothing less than the cup,’’ he said.

The president said the performance of the boys have confounded critics who had written off Gambia as a credible candidate in the World Cup.  He made particular reference to a super sports analyst, whom he said should be ashamed of himself now for having ruled out Gambia against Brazil.

Asked to comment on his personal unwavering support and motivation to the team, Jammeh described his role as a national duty.  “The youths are the future leaders of the country.
It is only natural that we take interest in their future is in line with the kind of country we are envisaging in Vision 2020,” he said.

President Jammeh also commented on the dramatic entry of Gambians fans in Peru in the wake of reports that their allegedly forced the plane crew to fake an emergency to allow them to watch the match against Qatar Piura. He said the  matter is now amicably fixed. The whole thing may sound like a joke but it’s not a joke.  I have been in touch with the fans and they did not tell me they did it intentionally.Anyway the matter is fixed,’’ he said.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 25 September 2005 )



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