19 year old Sainey Kanyi is currently pursuing a Degree in International Relations in Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. He is also an executive member at Steve Biko Football Club. His dream: to become the next Gambia Football Federation president in the future as he aspires to transform the country’s football fraternity through grassroots development.
Sainey picked-up sports at a tender age and has since moved to be a member of the West Africa Sports Group that is geared towards developing and guiding young sports administrators on governance.
The nineteen year old said “To be the GFF Boss in future is a dream I always wish to achieve. Simply, it is a childhood dream. I want to be a game changing Football Federation President who would instill passion, create hope, ensure that the football federation becomes accountable enough and making it an institution for all” the youngster said.
According to the nineteen year old, the status quo of ‘our football is not in the best of shapes, emphasizing that a lot needs to be invested in areas of finance and infrastructure.
“Since the establishment of a football body in 1952, we have not achieved remarkable feats as far the growth and development. I believe there is need to set a new direction in our football as a nation endowed with talent and passionate about football“
According to Sainey, his immediate plans to tackle challenges impeding the sporting sector would be to unite the football fraternity and a need to see the total good of sport and country at heart.
“I have lot of plans for our football. I would not want to clearly disclose my plans but key focus would be on these; grassroots, national league (both male and female), accountability, a fully functional football house and ensure that there is significant improvement and development of the national product & Setting up a board of auditors that would oversee or lead monetary activities of my executive. In addition, my executive would be made up of those with passion, integrity & knowledge. The most important thing is, having a common goal and practicing what I preach as President.
The youngster says he is aware of the huge task ahead of him. Yet, he said he’s hopeful of getting to the top despite the hurdles surrounding his relative inexperience and tender age. Meanwhile, the young Steve Biko FC executive continues pursuing his Degree in International Relations at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal.