Bajo’s Leadership Steers Gambian Football to Historic Heights Amid Unfounded Criticism

By JarraNews Staff Writer

In the face of misinformed online chatter and unfounded accusations, the leadership of Retired Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo has proven to be one of the strongest pillars of Gambian football’s rise in recent years. Contrary to claims by detractors who attempt to link him with delays in the Independence Stadium renovations, facts show that Bajo and his executive team at the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) have been focused on building institutions, strengthening grassroots structures, and raising the international profile of Gambian football. Setting the Record Straight on Stadium Renovations

It is worth clarifying that the Ministry of Youth and Sports—working with the central government—is solely responsible for the rehabilitation of the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The protracted work, though delayed, has now been completed and certified by CAF and FIFA, restoring the facility to international standards. The GFF, under Bajo’s stewardship, had no control over the stadium reconstruction process. In fact, Gambia was not alone in suffering the inconvenience of moving home matches abroad while renovation work was ongoing. Many African nations, from Sierra Leone to Liberia, have also endured similar displacements due to CAF bans on substandard venues. Gambia itself hosted “home” matches in Morocco against Seychelles and in Franceville, Gabon against the Panthers during this period—decisions compelled by CAF, not the GFF. Achievements Under Bajo’s Watch While critics spread half-truths online, Bajo’s record speaks volumes. Under his leadership, Gambian football has reached milestones once thought unimaginable: Senior National Team Breakthrough: The Scorpions qualified for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2021, advancing all the way to the quarter-finals. They followed this with a second consecutive AFCON appearance in 2023—proof of consistency, not chance. Youth Football Excellence: The Young Scorpions, Gambia’s U-20 side, became WAFU Zone A Champions in 2018 and 2020, while finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and securing multiple bronze medals in earlier editions. Women’s Football Growth: Through FIFA-backed “Live Your Goals” initiatives and inter-school competitions, more than 2,200 Gambian girls have been introduced to the game. Regular U-15 jamborees and U-17 pathways have been established to nurture future stars. Leadership That Builds Institutions Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo’s leadership has been marked not by empty rhetoric but by visionary planning and institution-building. The structures he and his executive have put in place—from grassroots football to elite national squads—are laying a foundation that will serve Gambian football for generations. As one sports commentator put it, “You can argue opinions, but you cannot argue results. Bajo’s era has given Gambian football its most successful decade.” Conclusion Those attempting to tarnish Bajo’s name over stadium works are barking up the wrong tree. The facts are clear: stadium rehabilitation is a government project, not a federation mandate. Meanwhile, Bajo and his team have delivered unprecedented results on the pitch and in institutional development. History will not remember the noise of the critics, but the legacy of a leader who helped transform Gambian football into a continental force.

This story was produced by JarraNews Staff Writer -