Football and music are part of the many unique things associated with the Gambia’s diverse culture, but lining up artistes to perform at an international football match is a rare occurrence.
Well, not any more. As well as dressing in their traditional jerseys with the Gambian scarf tied around neck, fans should prepare to lace their dancing boots and reserve a lot of energy for this special occasion as the Gambia’s football authorities have lined up three locally celebrated artistes to perform at the game in an effort to promote the sport through music. The players will be welcomed on the pitch by the usual pomp and circumstance provided by the Police Band.
Afromanding stars Jalimadi Kanuteh and Manding Morry together with mbalax sensation Bai Babou will entertain the crowd at Bakau’s Independence Stadium at pre-match and at halftime, in a game that is expected to attract thousands of football and non-football fans. The Stadium is expected to be filled to its rafters on Friday and those inside will have the opportunity to watch Manding Morry perform like a television, coined from his own song; ‘Eka-felleh-ko tele’.
The ticketing for the game is pegged at D500 for VIP, D100 and D50 for the covered and uncovered pavilions respectively. The scoreboard area of the Stadium is specifically reserved for schoolboys and girls, who will watch the game at no cost, provided they are dressed in their school uniforms.
The Maurabitones of Mauritania, whom The Gambia is playing at 7pm on Friday, had arrived in bits and pieces but the entire delegation is now in Banjul to acclimatise themselves, while their Gambian hosts will go to camp tonight with a provisional 28-man squad and six officials. These include four goalkeepers; ten defenders; ten midfielders and four forwards.
By Baboucarr Camara
Daily Oberserver
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