By Omar Faye
A local Gambian sport delegation visited Guinea Bissau for an exchange programme meant to develop grassroots sports in both countries.
On Monday 3rd January,the executive members of Dolphin Football Club (the local Gambian sport delegation) led by its President and accompanied by its technical director with the press team embarked on the visit.
Mamour M. Mbenga alias (Kifa) President of Dolphin Stars F.C said their visit is meant to network with FC Cuntum in Bissau and other football stakeholders in the area of sports development projects.
Mbenga whose profession is journalism stated the role and importance of the visit for both clubs.
“The purpose of the visit is to bring our young talents together in order to share experience and other sport activities. This initiative will cover the following areas for both clubs: exchange programmes on training camps, capacity building, branding and marketing of both clubs activities,” he said.
Kifa added that the partnership is a ‘dream come true’ for both clubs; saying ‘promoting youth empowerment through sports is a major key role of the initiative’.
Mbenga went on to state that the host, F.C Cuntum also arranged in advance, official engagements with other stakeholders in order to build a wider network with other first division clubs; adding that the initiative would boost the two country’s football clubs.
Meanwhile, Pedro Bucar Sanha, President of F.C Cuntum welcomed the presence of their Gambian partners. He said the initiative would link the two institutions to seal an agreement that would be more profitable and ambitious.
As part of Dolphin’s visit, the two clubs visited institutions responsible for the welfare of Guinea Bissau’s sports.
Alberto Dias, Director General of Sport at Bissau’s national level, said sports is the link that binds the world, thus recalling the African Union delegation that considers the year 2015 as the year of sports for peace.
He hinted on the global pandemic’s effects on sports due to the restrictions it comes with. Dias guaranteed the Gambian club of his site’s full support for future projects.
“It’s important for both clubs to establish a partnership agreement, obeying the rules imposed by globalisation to go hand in hand,” Dias said.
Mamadou Salieu Balde, the Vice President of Guinea Bissau’s Football Federation assured Dolphin Stars of the federation’s support.
“The federation would do its utmost best to support such great initiatives, especially a joint development programme from both countries,” Balde said.
Dolphin Stars also visited football academies such as Catio Balde, Benfica De Bissau, Sporting De Bissau and the Gambian Embassy in Bissau during their stay.