The National Sports Council (NSC) extended a warm welcome to the triumphant Gambia
U21 Basketball team, who recently clinched victory in the Amilcar Cabral Zone II U21
Basketball Championship held in Bissau. The acting Executive Director of the NSC, Mr.
Mahmoud L Jawla, addressed the team with words of pride and admiration, commending
them for fulfilling the hopes of Gambians and bringing home the prestigious trophy for the
first time.
In a celebratory speech, Mr. Jawla revealed that the NSC had closely followed the team’s journey throughout the tournament, watching every game and cheering for the young athletes. “We are immensely proud of your performance,” he remarked, adding, “You have fulfilled the dreams of Gambians by winning this championship.”
Mr. Jawla further informed the team that he had already initiated discussions with the Secretary General of the Gambia Basketball Association (GBA) to arrange a formal audience with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, who is currently on official duty in the United States. The purpose of the meeting, he explained, would be to give the government an opportunity to formally thank the team for their exceptional performance and historic achievement.
“This victory signifies a turning point for basketball in The Gambia. When we talk about football and volleyball, basketball must now be added to the list of sports where we are excelling,” Mr. Jawla declared, emphasizing the significance of the victory for the sport’s future in the country.
He also praised the team for their discipline, noting that they upheld the high standards they had discussed prior to the tournament. “You not only raised the Gambian flag high, but you also represented the country with honour and discipline. The support from the government will always be there because we want to see basketball thrive and move up.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Jawla congratulated the coaches, executives, and especially the four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardees, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the team’s success.
This victory marks a new chapter for Gambian basketball, signalling greater potential for the sport in the country, and the promise of continued support from the government and sports authorities.