The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and Head Coach, Tom Saintfiet, have extended their union for another five years, with the latest contract running through to the end of May, 2026.

This news was announced by the President of the GFF, Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo at a signing ceremony held at the Scorpions Team Hotel in Kinshasa this morning. The signing was held between the Federation and the Belgian, who turned 48 today, after which Tom described himself as the ‘Smiling Coach of The Gambia’.

Mr. Saintfiet has been Coaching the Scorpions since 2018, and his contract extension came after he turned the fortunes of the team from ending a nearly 70-year-old wait for a first AFCON finals spot with qualification to Cameroon 2022 secured in Banjul on Thursday.

According to Mr. Bajo qualifying to Cameroon was one of the main obligations on the side of the Coach, describing last week’s success as a significant achievement for Gambian football. He noted that it is the right moment to extend the union.

“He has proven his worth and the whole football family is satisfied with him. This new contract will avail us the opportunity for continuity and he will lead us to the 2022 AFCON Finals, the 2023 and 2025 editions as well as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” Mr. Bajo affirmed.

The GFF boss also thanked the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Youth & Sports, for the collaboration and support. He further noted that they’ve all agreed on the terms and conditions of the Coach’s latest contract. He confirmed that the GFF is very much aware and appreciative of the government’s commitment and collaboration, especially in terms of senior national team matters.

The Minister of Youth & Sports, Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie asserted that his Ministry is very glad to be part of what he described as marking the end of a very successful tenure to the beginning of another.To him Tom Saintfiet is the best Coach that The Gambia ever had in recent times.

The Minister underscored that the recent developments came out of the Coach’s ability to prove to every Gambian that he is worth his salt to qualify us to our maiden AFCON. He further noted that there were lots of doubts about the Belgian, when he was appointed years ago, the leadership at Football House and MOYS always had confidence and believe in him.

“He has a lot of qualities and the competence to transform the team to be in par with the big footballing nations, whom he has beaten both home and away. We’re still celebrating and this is the best time to continue having fulfilled a cardinal condition of his contract in completing the task,” Honorable Badjie said. He added that Tom Saintfiet’s name will remain in Gambian history forever.

He also hailed the GFF for the efforts they’ve put in place by putting in the funds at the right times in footing the bills of the Coach. Minister Badjie further described the Senior National Team as a priority and assured his Ministry’s collaboration to further improve the working relations with Football House.

Saintfiet thanked the GFF for giving him the initial contract and supporting him irrespective of the environment or circumstances, without which the collective success registered wouldn’t be possible.

He attributed the success as a team effort with his coaching staff, describing Team Manager Ousman Drammeh as the best in the world.

“There is also an impressive input from the Ministry. We couldn’t do it alone so everyone was part of the success, most especially all the players, who were the reason I came here. The Gambia is the smiling coast of Africa and I’m honoured to be the smiling coach of The Gambia,” the Belgian tactician lamented. He disclosed that this is the third time he has extended a contract, two of which came with The Gambia. “Our dream is to go further after achieving this AFCON. We want to be regulars in the AFCON and be successful and we have a good team that has beaten big boys and we’re never afraid of anyone.” He added

He concluded by stating that his biggest dream would be to deliver a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot for The Gambia and with the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, nine of which will come from Africa, he added, it is indeed a realistic target.

 

By: Sainabou Jasseh