Pape Saine Urges Sport Journalists to put away differences

By Abdoulie Nget

A Gambian baron, IPI awardee and co-proprietor of The Point newspaper Mr. Pap Saine has told Sport Journalists to put away differences after the election of Sainabou Kujabi as the President of Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia, the successor of Mr. Namory Trawally whose term has constitutionally expired after serving two consecutive terms.

Addressing the members of the sports journalists association at the B.O Semega Janneh hall in Serrekunda East on October 2 during their triennial congress Mr. Saine stated that a lot have been talked about before the congress. He said that now the new executive has taken over the task, advising them to work hand and glove with the members of association for development.

He said all the sports journalists in the country are vying for the development of sports in the country, meaning they all have to work together as individuals and as an association to achieve excellence in sports.

Saine noted that the outgoing executive deserves a great commendation for at least moving one step forward with the association. He outlined that some of these development made by the outgoing team include training of its members in basic skill, capacity building trainings and organizing of the sports award.

He further urged the association to remain united after the congress with public and maintained the bond fraternity among themselves in working for the development of the association but quick to task  the coming executive to strive with perseverance as leadership goes with tolerance.

This year’s congress marked the third congress with a difference that witnessed heated debates among members in deciding who to become president. “But thank God now, things have finally come to an end in a professional manner with Sainabou Kujabi of The Point newspaper emerging as president after defeating Nanama Keita of the Daily Observer by 34 - 27 votes. Now Sainabou and her team have been entrusted to steer the affair of the Sport Journalist association for the next three years to fulfill the mission of their predecessors.

In her statement after been named the president of the association Sainabou Kujabi said she is willing to open a new page and work with the members of the association for development within and outside the association, adding that she will open the door for everyone who wishes to contribute to the development of the association and sports.

Meanwhile, Nanama Keita who was defeated in the presidential position said he is ready to put aside everything and work with the current executive for the benefit of the association and it members, saying that loosing does not mean that he is not part of the association.

Nanama said he has a good relation with the elected president Sainabou Kujabi and therefore as part of the nominated members he will give all his support to the association. He said his reason for vying for the position of president is to make changes, but is normal in every election that there must be a winner.