The Gambia is mourning the loss of Alhaji Abdoulie Omar Sosseh, affectionately known as Gabbi Sosseh, who passed away today. 

Mr. Sosseh was a towering figure in Gambian football, serving as President of the then Gambia Football Association (GFA) from 2001 to 2004 and playing a pivotal role in shaping the modern game in the country.

A marine engineer by profession, Mr. Sosseh worked with the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) from 1972 to 1995, contributing to the founding of the GPA Football Club. 

Gabbi Sosseh also founded the now-defunct Mass Sosseh Shipyard, which once competed in the national league. Under his leadership, the National Technical Training Centre was built in Yundum through FIFA support, a facility that today houses the Football Hotel and remains vital for the national teams.

By Ebrima KB Sonko