One of the country’s early footballers, Goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, died suddenly on Sunday.
He was in his 70s. Apart from football, Ceesay was also a well-known trade unionist.
The Gambia Football Federation described Ceesay as a stalwart, dedicated servant, and legendary figure in Gambian football.
“Alh Kebba Massaneh Ceesay dedicated a lifetime of outstanding service to the beautiful game in The Gambia, as a former national team goalkeeper. He also played for the country’s premier clubs, Real de Banjul and the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) FC, where his brilliance between the posts made him an icon to fans and peers alike,” the GFF said in a tribute.
Football House also chronicled Ceesay’s distinguished foray into football administration and technical development, culminating in him serving as Technical Director of the then Gambia Football Association (GFA).
“In this capacity, he helped laid crucial foundations for coaching and player development across the country. Most recently, his wisdom and deep understanding of football governance were called upon as a member of the GFF Ad-hoc Dispute Resolution Tribunal, where he served with integrity in arbitrating the dispute involving the Upper River Region Football Association (URRFA) and four of its member clubs,” the GFF said.
At personal level, GFF president Lamin Kaba Bajo expressed profound sorrow over the loss.
“Alh Kebba Massaneh Ceesay was a monumental pillar of Gambian football. From defending our national colours on the pitch to guiding our technical direction and ensuring fair play through his service sports judicature. His contribution to the game’s development is indelible”.
The GFF said funeral prayers and burial for the late Alh Kebba Massaneh Ceesay will take place today, Tuesday.