Given the large talent pool, Cricket is fast becoming a mainstream sport in The Gambia, and this popularity is growing very fast as The Gambia Cricket Association (GCA) expands the capacity of coaches and players.
Over the weekend, the association ended a three day training program for 46 military officers at Farafenni barracks on fielding, batting and bowling while 17 were trained on umpiring and scoring.
The training according to the President of The Gambia Cricket Association Johnny Gomez, is aimed at regionalizing the game of cricket through the security sector. “The involvement of 2nd infantry battalion in this training was a very important because you have most of the soldiers who love and want to play cricket, “he said. “I was overwhelmed with the passion and love they’ve manifested during the entire course.
Lieutenant Abdoulie Jallow a participant, expressed delight for learning new cricket skills. “I am very happy to have learned new skills today, “he said. “Cricket is a new sport to me. Football is what I follow the most, but with new skills learnt here today, I can now consider building a career in cricket.”
Pa Yero Sowe, a cricket coach emphasized the need to teach the basic techniques and rules of cricket. “Teaching them how to perform basic bowling, fielding and batting techniques, will give them the platform for them to develop as cricketers both as a team and as individuals.”
